Kensington Palace is one of the royal palaces located in London, has been the official royal residence since the 17th century. Today it is official residence of the Duke and Duchess of of Kent, Prince Michael and the Princess of Kent. Some of the palace's rooms are open public visits.
The building, built in the 17th century, was owned by the Earl of Nottingham, and was bought from his heirs by William III. The king wanted to have a country residence near London, nearer than Hampton Court, but outside of the the smoke-filled city because he suffered from asthma. A special private road was built road from the palace to Hyde Park, wide enough for several carriages to run side by side. Part of this road is now preserved in Hyde Park under the name of Rotten Row.
The famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren remodelled and extended the mansion, adding a north and south wing and a driveway tower. However, Kensington was seen more as a private dwelling and was much more commonly referred to as Kensington House rather than Kensington Palace.
Kensington's garden and kitchen garden provided fresh fruit and vegetables St James's Court. St James's Palace remains to this day. St James's Palace remains nominally the official residence of the British monarchs, although they have not lived there permanently since the 17th century. For many years it was Kensington that was the favourite residence of kings and queens. Since the 18th century, it has been the home of mainly the younger princes and members of the royal family. Kensington was considered Princess Diana's official residence.
Adjoining the palace is Kensington Gardens. This is a park that was once part of Hyde Park, but is regularly planned, decorated with fountains and sculptures. Unlike Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens is only open during daylight hours.
