PRINCE WILLIAM and Kate's "enormous" Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace has 20 rooms from the basement to the attic according to a royal commentator.
The Princess of Wales and Princess Diana have previously lived at Kensington Palace
Everything you need to know about the royal residence
News and photos of the renovated Kensington Palace apartment, home to Kate and William, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince George...
Kensington Palace from the southeast. The wing containing Apartment No. 1A overlooks a private garden to the south. With the anticipation of the birth of an heir to the British throne, an up-grade in accommodations at Kensington Palace was granted William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Soon improvements will be complete on the largest of the private apartments at Kensington Palace, No. 1A. This is a reversal of policy from a few years a go that royal residency at Kensington Palace would be phased out. No. 1A was last occupied by Princess Margaret who died in 2002. An aerial view of Kensington Palace via mail.co.uk This is a near repeat of about fifty years ago when the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960 and received a relatively minor apartment in Kensington Palace. But when Margaret informed the Queen of her pregnancy, No. 1A was assigned to the young family. The apartment occupies a section of the clock tower wing designed by Sir Christopher Wren for King William and Queen Mary in the 17th century. It had been occupied by Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise, until her death in 1939, then by Victoria's grandson, the Marquess of Carisbrooke. Apartment No. 1A is to the right (south) of the Clock Court. No. 1A is essentially a four-story attached house, what would be called a terrace house in England. Most sources cite it as having 20 rooms but others list it as having 57 rooms, which seems to be counting the service rooms such as the linen storeroom, the luggage room, a drying room, a pantry just for crystal, and a photographic studio. The entrance to the Clock Court in the 1920s. An 18 month renovation for the Snowdons was provided through an allotment of GBP 85,000 plus a matching amount (largely used for furnishings) from their private income, minus a gift of GBP 20,000 provided by the Queen. A vintage view of the Entrance Hall of No. 1A. Photo via Royal Dish blog. The main reception rooms are on the ground floor with the Entrance Hall acting as a spine along the inner courtyard, running the entire length of the wing. There's an elegant Drawing Room, a Dining Room, a Study used by Lord Snowdon, a Conservatory, and a Guest Cloak Room (which we would call a Powder Room). Princess Margaret in her Drawing Room, circa 1981, Apartment No. 1A, Kensington Palace. Photo via Easy Branches blog. Lord Snowdon's uncle, Oliver Messel, advised on the décor, as did Snowdon's lifelong friend, Carl Toms, a set designer. The Regency Style Drawing Room had walls of kingfisher blue with a custom made neo-classical rug designed by Toms. The Dining Room, in a photo believed to be taken for a function after Princess Margaret's occupation. Photo via Royal Dish blog. During their courtship, Tony would prepare meals for just the two of them in his rented room and she would clean up afterwards. So the concept of a Family Kitchen was an important feature and the first for a royal palace. The Snowdons' Kitchen. Photo via Royal Dish blog. The Kitchen was 350 square feet with modern cabinets of white and teak-patterned plastic laminate with stainless steel countertops and a sculptural exhaust hood. In addition to a 100 square foot larder, it contained all the modern conveniences of the time: a large refrigerator, a deep freezer, and a garbage disposal. Princess Margaret in her wedding tiara in a photo by Lord Snowdon. Image via www.edur.it As customary, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon each had their own bedroom and bathroom. Hers was fitted with white marble and, as her specific request, an orchid-color sink. But a departure from tradition was having the rooms for Viscount Linley on the same floor as his parents. The baby had a night nursery and a day nursery, plus his own kitchen and bathroom. Additionally, there were three more principal bedrooms and dressing rooms, nine staff bedrooms, four staff bathrooms, two staff kitchens, and two staff sittings rooms. (Apparently the distinction between the staff rooms was due to a hierarchy among the servants). Lord Snowdon, who had studied architecture before becoming a popular photographer, insisted on some modern features such as flush doors and what we in the US would call Danish Modern detailing for his Study; in addition, he wanted some electric devices that did not meet the approval of the Ministry of Works, according to sources. What may or may not have been a coincidence, a fire delayed the Snowdons moving in. The Third Floor of Kensington Palace. Image via Royal Dish blog. In this color-coded floor plan, the pink rooms are the State Apartment maintained by Historic Royal Palaces that may be visited as a museum. The violet rooms are one of four floors of Apt No. 1A. The tan rooms are Apt 1, now occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (Prince Richard); formerly it was the home of his mother, Princess Alice, and the home of Princess Marina before that. The green rooms are Apt 8/9, formerly the apartment of Diana, Princess of Wales; part (or all) of it is now used as The Prince's Drawing School. The golden rooms are the apartment of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. A proposal to improve the public entrance, with the architectural changes not realized. Image via Historic Royal Palaces. The current renovation of No. 1A underway for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly costing approximately $1.52 million. Some news sources are guessing that the interior design is being carried out by antiques dealer & designer Annabel Elliot, the sister of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, William's stepmother. However, the media had seen Catherine shopping at up-scale speciality retail shops for nursery items and there has been speculation that Kelly Hoppen has contributed to that room at least. An alternate new public entrance to Kensington Palace. This design, with a few changes, was built. Image by John Simpson Architects via London Evening Standard. Kensington Palace has also been in the news for the GBP 12 million refurbishment in honor of the Queen's Jubilee. It is unique that it is the only British royal palace where the general public can visit the garden and the ground floor of the State Apartments wing free of charge. John Simpson Architects, one of Prince Charles' favorites, designed the new ticket court and the new public entrance, the latter being controversial for its design. (After the first design for the entrance was rejected, an alternate that was lower and not attached to the building was submitted as a compromise). A new garden approach was designed by Todd Longstaffe-Gowan. A previous post of The Devoted Classicist about Todd and his work at Kensington Palace may be read here. A post on Todd's London home, Malplaquet House, may be read here. Landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan at the base of the statue of Queen Victoria in the garden he designed at Kensington Palace. Photo via www.tlg-landscape.co.uk/
Well, I told you I'd let you know when it showed up ... and here it is! Prince William and Kate's finished apartment before and after (via R...
News and photos of the renovated Kensington Palace apartment, home to Kate and William, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and Prince George...
The latest Ralph Lauren collection has been unveiled, a timely nod to the posh 21 room Kensington Palace "apartment" of Will and Kate. Ralph Lauren Home's Apartment No. One Collection is mostly a beautiful mix of pieces from various other Ralph Lauren collections, with nice masculine/feminine balance of textures and patterns. See my favorite elements of the collection~
The third in line to the throne was allowed to stay up for a few minutes by his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, so the two-year-old could thank the couple for his rocking horse present.
Kim Kardashian, Prince William, Duchess Kate, Jessica Simpson and more celebrities live in enviable, lavish homes — see the photos
It is a picture of power at play providing a rare glimpse into the fiercely guarded private life of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their London home, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.
Well, I told you I'd let you know when it showed up ... and here it is! Prince William and Kate's finished apartment before and after (via R...
It is a picture of power at play providing a rare glimpse into the fiercely guarded private life of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their London home, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.
The Obamas were just moments from being entertained by William and Kate when an eagle-eyed assistant spotted a plaque, which named the piece of art (ringed) 'The Negro Page'.
The world was today given an unprecedented insight into the world of the Royals as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge entertained the Obamas inside a Kensington Palace.
Kensington Palace from the southeast. The wing containing Apartment No. 1A overlooks a private garden to the south. With the anticipation of the birth of an heir to the British throne, an up-grade in accommodations at Kensington Palace was granted William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Soon improvements will be complete on the largest of the private apartments at Kensington Palace, No. 1A. This is a reversal of policy from a few years a go that royal residency at Kensington Palace would be phased out. No. 1A was last occupied by Princess Margaret who died in 2002. An aerial view of Kensington Palace via mail.co.uk This is a near repeat of about fifty years ago when the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, married Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960 and received a relatively minor apartment in Kensington Palace. But when Margaret informed the Queen of her pregnancy, No. 1A was assigned to the young family. The apartment occupies a section of the clock tower wing designed by Sir Christopher Wren for King William and Queen Mary in the 17th century. It had been occupied by Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise, until her death in 1939, then by Victoria's grandson, the Marquess of Carisbrooke. Apartment No. 1A is to the right (south) of the Clock Court. No. 1A is essentially a four-story attached house, what would be called a terrace house in England. Most sources cite it as having 20 rooms but others list it as having 57 rooms, which seems to be counting the service rooms such as the linen storeroom, the luggage room, a drying room, a pantry just for crystal, and a photographic studio. The entrance to the Clock Court in the 1920s. An 18 month renovation for the Snowdons was provided through an allotment of GBP 85,000 plus a matching amount (largely used for furnishings) from their private income, minus a gift of GBP 20,000 provided by the Queen. A vintage view of the Entrance Hall of No. 1A. Photo via Royal Dish blog. The main reception rooms are on the ground floor with the Entrance Hall acting as a spine along the inner courtyard, running the entire length of the wing. There's an elegant Drawing Room, a Dining Room, a Study used by Lord Snowdon, a Conservatory, and a Guest Cloak Room (which we would call a Powder Room). Princess Margaret in her Drawing Room, circa 1981, Apartment No. 1A, Kensington Palace. Photo via Easy Branches blog. Lord Snowdon's uncle, Oliver Messel, advised on the décor, as did Snowdon's lifelong friend, Carl Toms, a set designer. The Regency Style Drawing Room had walls of kingfisher blue with a custom made neo-classical rug designed by Toms. The Dining Room, in a photo believed to be taken for a function after Princess Margaret's occupation. Photo via Royal Dish blog. During their courtship, Tony would prepare meals for just the two of them in his rented room and she would clean up afterwards. So the concept of a Family Kitchen was an important feature and the first for a royal palace. The Snowdons' Kitchen. Photo via Royal Dish blog. The Kitchen was 350 square feet with modern cabinets of white and teak-patterned plastic laminate with stainless steel countertops and a sculptural exhaust hood. In addition to a 100 square foot larder, it contained all the modern conveniences of the time: a large refrigerator, a deep freezer, and a garbage disposal. Princess Margaret in her wedding tiara in a photo by Lord Snowdon. Image via www.edur.it As customary, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon each had their own bedroom and bathroom. Hers was fitted with white marble and, as her specific request, an orchid-color sink. But a departure from tradition was having the rooms for Viscount Linley on the same floor as his parents. The baby had a night nursery and a day nursery, plus his own kitchen and bathroom. Additionally, there were three more principal bedrooms and dressing rooms, nine staff bedrooms, four staff bathrooms, two staff kitchens, and two staff sittings rooms. (Apparently the distinction between the staff rooms was due to a hierarchy among the servants). Lord Snowdon, who had studied architecture before becoming a popular photographer, insisted on some modern features such as flush doors and what we in the US would call Danish Modern detailing for his Study; in addition, he wanted some electric devices that did not meet the approval of the Ministry of Works, according to sources. What may or may not have been a coincidence, a fire delayed the Snowdons moving in. The Third Floor of Kensington Palace. Image via Royal Dish blog. In this color-coded floor plan, the pink rooms are the State Apartment maintained by Historic Royal Palaces that may be visited as a museum. The violet rooms are one of four floors of Apt No. 1A. The tan rooms are Apt 1, now occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester (Prince Richard); formerly it was the home of his mother, Princess Alice, and the home of Princess Marina before that. The green rooms are Apt 8/9, formerly the apartment of Diana, Princess of Wales; part (or all) of it is now used as The Prince's Drawing School. The golden rooms are the apartment of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. A proposal to improve the public entrance, with the architectural changes not realized. Image via Historic Royal Palaces. The current renovation of No. 1A underway for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly costing approximately $1.52 million. Some news sources are guessing that the interior design is being carried out by antiques dealer & designer Annabel Elliot, the sister of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, William's stepmother. However, the media had seen Catherine shopping at up-scale speciality retail shops for nursery items and there has been speculation that Kelly Hoppen has contributed to that room at least. An alternate new public entrance to Kensington Palace. This design, with a few changes, was built. Image by John Simpson Architects via London Evening Standard. Kensington Palace has also been in the news for the GBP 12 million refurbishment in honor of the Queen's Jubilee. It is unique that it is the only British royal palace where the general public can visit the garden and the ground floor of the State Apartments wing free of charge. John Simpson Architects, one of Prince Charles' favorites, designed the new ticket court and the new public entrance, the latter being controversial for its design. (After the first design for the entrance was rejected, an alternate that was lower and not attached to the building was submitted as a compromise). A new garden approach was designed by Todd Longstaffe-Gowan. A previous post of The Devoted Classicist about Todd and his work at Kensington Palace may be read here. A post on Todd's London home, Malplaquet House, may be read here. Landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan at the base of the statue of Queen Victoria in the garden he designed at Kensington Palace. Photo via www.tlg-landscape.co.uk/
We begin today's post with news of something royal watchers have been eagerly awaiting: upcoming engagements. The Palace has confirmed the Duchess of Cambridge will attend the 100 Women In Hedge Funds 2013 London Gala for the benefit of her patronage Action on Addiction on Thursday, October 24, the day after Prince George's christening at the Chapel Royal, St James's Palace. For some time I have been expecting it to be announced Kate will attend this one. Firstly because of the organisations involved; William, Kate and Harry became joint patrons of 100 Women In Hedge Funds for three years last November and as mentioned above, Kate is patron of Action on Addiction, a cause she is said to feel passionate about. Secondly, the location of the gala couldn't be more suitable, as it will be held in the State Apartments at Kensington Palace. Clarence House Twitter Feed The organisation shared a photo of the venue of the gala - The King's Gallery. 100 Women In Hedge Funds The largest and longest of the state apartments at Kensington Palace, the King's Gallery hasn't changed much since it was decorated for King George in 1727. The Gallery was used for displaying pictures as well as for exercise and it is dominated by a copy of Van Dyck's portrait of Charles I on horseback at its east end. It is a wonderful choice for the event, tickets for which range in price from £2,000 to £60,000 for platinum donors, who receive a table with 12 seats for the sum. Visiting Houses and Gardens Below we see the Cambridges at the 2011 gala at St James's Palace, which raised over £675,000 for the Child Bereavement Charity. 100 Women In Hedge Funds Facebook Page The press release from earlier this year: I think this partnership shows how much can be achieved when charities work together - the very purpose of the Charities Forum of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry. I expect the event will raise a significant amount for Action on Addiction, while raising its profile. The gala begins at 7.15 pm. with cocktails and dinner is served at 8 p.m. ************ William, Kate and little George have finally moved into Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace after waiting for months of renovations to be completed on Princess Margaret's old residence. All that's left to do is to choose paintings from the Royal Collection to adorn the walls of the 21 room apartment. Hello! Magazine shares a royal exclusive this week, revealing the couple plan to host a 'glittering winter wonderland gala with a difference'. Hello! Magazine The always reliable Richard Palmer shares more on this in his Express story: 'Palace officials are also in discussions for an event, pencilled in for November 26. Details are still being finalised but the plan is for William and Kate to host a winter wonderland themed party inspired by the ice palace in the film Dr Zhivago. The rock band Bon Jovi, have been lined up to perform in a marquee in the garden at the bash. Guests will be asked to pay up to £5,000 each to attend a champagne reception in the King's Gallery before dinner. It will be in aid of Centrepoint, the homeless charity which Princess Diana became so fond of and her son William now represents as patron.' The 'ice palace' from Dr Zhivago. Flavorwire Moving forward, it appears the young royals plan to use the state apartments for official functions restoring Kensington Palace to its former glory as a royal powerbase. 'The state apartments, which are open to businesses and individuals to hire for parties, will now increasingly be available for functions involving any of William, Kate and Harry's chosen charities. "So long as there is a member of the Royal family in attendance," says an aide.' With two galas at Kensington Palace in the offing, what will the Duchess elect to wear? It's always fun to take a look at possibilities from Kate's favourite designers. Below we look at the Roland Mouret Sibony Crepe and Lace Gown; the black lace inset adds another dimension to the elegant dress. Kate looked fabulous in the designer's 'Lombarde' gown (as seen above) and I'd love to see her in another of his creations. We also see Roland Mouret's fuchsia Rosata Gown and the classic Kordel Lace and Hammered-Satin Gown. Roland Mouret Other pieces which caught my eye are by Erdem, Matthew Williamson, an Embellished Georgette Gown also by Mr Williamson, a very pretty floral embroidered Christopher Kane Gown and a Roskanda Ilincic design. Matches/Net-A-Porter Temperley London is always one of the safest bets when predicting Kate's dresses, and the designer has several beautiful new pieces in, including the Regalia Lace and Georgette Gown, the Luisa, Cleo and the Sapphire. Temperley London Speaking of safe bets, a bespoke Alexander McQueen or Jenny Packham could very well make an appearance. Do you have any designer predictions? ************ In other engagement news, this year's Remembrance Sunday ceremony at the Cenotaph takes place on November 10. Kate will be joined on the balcony by the Countess of Wessex and the Duchess of Cornwall, while Prince William will lay a wreath. It will mark the third consecutive year the Duchess has attended. There's been talk on Twitter regarding an engagement for Kate on 6th of December, likely a medals parade with the Irish Guards. By all accounts it appears this one is scheduled for the Duchess, although we won't know positively until two weeks or so in advance when the Palace confirms it. Chris Hanes Twitter Feed Moving on to 2014, it is believed one of Kate's first engagements next year will be a trip to Scotland to open its first branch of The Art Room, of which the Duchess is patron. It will be based at the Wester Hailes Education Centre from January. Sources close to the charity confirmed Her Royal Highness is expected to cut the ribbon early next year. WHEC headteacher Sheila Paton said: "We have heard the Duchess intends to visit the centre, it is certainly our understanding and we are all quite excited." Why are a number of these engagements unconfirmed? The Palace usually waits until two weeks before the event to officially make any announcement due to security reasons. As you can see, Kate's calendar is slowly filling up and I believe we'll be seeing an increase in the Cambridges' official appearances now they have moved to London and William has left the military. It's an exciting time for the new parents and their charities. ************ We complete today's post with a look at the latest collection available to purchase by one of Kate's 'go to' designers, Emilia Wickstead. We have readers who adore Ms. Wickstead's creations while others are on the fence and feel the garments lack 'polish' and correct tailoring. I think Kate has a good relationship with the designer and will continue to wear her clothing for official events. The first piece I noticed was the Amalia Prince of Wales Dress. Emilia Wickstead transforms Prince of Wales check with her Amalia dress. The voluminous silhouette has a deep v back. Emilia Wickstead Next we look at two coats which I do think are quite lovely and would be perfect for Kate - the Raphael Plaid Wool Coat and the Helena Wool Swing Coat. Emilia Wickstead The Darcy Organza Dress in Rose Print and the Darcy Wool-Crepe Dress. Emilia Wickstead Moving on to separates, we see the Merino Wool and Cashmere-Blend Turtleneck Sweater teamed with the Penny Swarovski faux pearl-embellished jacquard pencil skirt and the Ricky Blouse paired with the Mercy Check-Print Organza Skirt. The 'Mercy' skirt would look well worn with a crisp white blouse and heels. The pieces have quite a 1960s feel to them. Emilia Wickstead We'll be back with a Kate Loves Jewellery post next :)
We reveal where you can get your hands on their £885 luxury table lamps, as well as cheaper alternatives on sale from a far more affordable £54.95.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are about to create their own court at Kensington Palace, with more than a dozen staff switching to the Royal residence.
Dinning Room à Highgrove Drawing Room A Highgrove _
Apartment 1A takes up half of the 17th century palace's Clock Tower wing and boasts nine bedrooms in four stories
There are just so many of this one item.
William and Kate: The palace's rich pedigree, coupled with the fact that Willam and Kate are now upgrading to a six-bedroom space, will fuel expectation that they will soon be starting a family of their own.
The Duchess of Cambridge turns 40 on Sunday
The Obamas were just moments from being entertained by William and Kate when an eagle-eyed assistant spotted a plaque, which named the piece of art (ringed) 'The Negro Page'.
It is a picture of power at play providing a rare glimpse into the fiercely guarded private life of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their London home, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.
It is a picture of power at play providing a rare glimpse into the fiercely guarded private life of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their London home, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.
Well, I told you I'd let you know when it showed up ... and here it is! Prince William and Kate's finished apartment before and after (via Ralph Lauren's vision) Apartment No. One: The lovely couple, newly wedded. The lovely couple, set to entertain at Apartment No. One. Narrow room at Kensington Palace Before. Becomes a beautiful breakfast room for the future King and Queen After. Princess Margaret in the Living Room Before. Where Baby George will crawl about in the New Apartment No. One After. Princess Margaret's Kensington Palace Dining Room ... Formal and Blue Before. Prince William and Kate's Sophisticated Dining Room / Library After. Receiving Hall Before. Princely Pugs in the Receiving Hall After. Bedroom at Kensington Palace Before. Prince William and Kate's Bedroom After. A room with a fireplace at Kensington Palace Before. Becomes a Toasty Resting Place for the Royal Couple's Guests After. I think Ralph did a brilliant job translating the interiors of the young Royal Couple into the Ralph Lauren Home 2013 Fall Collection: Apartment No. One, don't you? Hope you had fun with this little "play" on interiors!
There are just so many of this one item.
The world was today given an unprecedented insight into the world of the Royals as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge entertained the Obamas inside a Kensington Palace.
London based interior designer and interior architecture firm.
We reveal where you can get your hands on their £885 luxury table lamps, as well as cheaper alternatives on sale from a far more affordable £54.95.
It is a picture of power at play providing a rare glimpse into the fiercely guarded private life of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at their London home, Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace.
