While most people imagine royalty moving into grand palaces with golden walls and glittering chandeliers, not all royal homes start that way. For Prince William and Kate Middleton, their royal residence — Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace — was more of a fixer-upper than a fairy-tale castle.
Originally part of what was once called Nottingham House, Kensington Palace has a deep and fascinating history. It was redesigned in the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, the same architect behind St. Paul’s Cathedral. The grand red-brick façade has stood through centuries, even sustaining damage during World War II.
Though parts of the palace — like the State Rooms and gardens — are open to the public, William and Kate’s apartment is private and tucked away in a separate wing. It underwent a major renovation before they moved in around 2013, with updates that included removing asbestos, rewiring, replastering, and installing eco-friendly systems. The total cost? Around £4.5 million, partially funded by the public and partly paid for by the couple.
The apartment now has over 20 rooms spread across four floors. It features two master suites, multiple guest bedrooms with his-and-hers dressing rooms, several reception rooms, and even three kitchens — one for family and two for staff. There’s a gym, an elevator, and dedicated nurseries for their children, decorated with a Peter Rabbit theme.
What makes the apartment even more charming is its personal touch. Kate, passionate about gardening, was especially drawn to the private walled garden just outside their windows. She reportedly loves spending time there and even involved her children — George, Charlotte, and Louis — in outdoor design projects like the Back to Nature garden she co-created for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019.
Despite the scale of the home, the interiors lean more towards cosy than palatial. Guests like Barack and Michelle Obama have been welcomed into warm rooms filled with cream sofas, floral cushions, personal family photos, and soft lighting. Think of an elegant country home rather than a stiff royal manor.
During the pandemic, the public got unexpected glimpses into their home through video calls and social media. Each frame revealed their tasteful yet down-to-earth style, from their classic cream-toned living room to their dark-wood dining space with table lamps and traditional paintings.
Story continues below this ad
Like many old buildings, Kensington Palace has its share of ghost stories. Over the years, palace staff and even Princess Margaret’s housekeeper reported seeing mysterious figures — including a woman in Regency dress and the so-called “Blue Lady.” Royal biographer Andrew Morton noted that several ghosts have allegedly appeared in Apartment 1A.
Despite its history, renovations, and rumours of spirits, Kensington Palace is now more of a family home than a haunted mansion. It’s where royal duties blend with school runs, bedtime stories, and quiet garden moments. And for William, Kate, and their children, that balance of history, privacy, and personal charm makes it a true home.
