Kensington Palace: Who Calls This Royal Home Today?

Prof. Jailyn Leffler 23 Jun 2025

**Kensington Palace, a name synonymous with royal history and grandeur, continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide. Nestled in the heart of London, this magnificent residence has been the backdrop for countless significant moments in British royal history, from the birthplace of Queen Victoria to the beloved home of Princess Diana. Yet, amidst its rich past, a pressing question often arises for those fascinated by the monarchy: who lives in Kensington Palace now? This comprehensive guide will unveil the current residents, offering an intimate look into the lives of the royals who call this historic landmark their home in 2023.** Beyond its public-facing role as a popular visitor destination, Kensington Palace remains a vibrant, working royal residence. It's a place where tradition meets modernity, housing not only offices but also the private apartments of several key members of the Royal Family. While many famous royals have come and gone over the centuries, the palace continues to be a central hub for those actively serving the Crown, maintaining its status as one of the most important royal residences in London. *** **Table of Contents** 1. [The Enduring Legacy of Kensington Palace](#the-enduring-legacy-of-kensington-palace) 2. [The Prince and Princess of Wales: The Palace's Primary Residents](#the-prince-and-princess-of-wales-the-palaces-primary-residents) * [Apartment 1A: A Family Home](#apartment-1a-a-family-home) * [Their Role and Public Life](#their-role-and-public-life) 3. [The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester: A Quieter Corner](#the-duke-and-duchess-of-gloucester-a-quieter-corner) * [From Apartment 1 to The Old Stables](#from-apartment-1-to-the-old-stables) 4. [The Duke and Duchess of Kent: Wren House Residents](#the-duke-and-duchess-of-kent-wren-house-residents) * [The Duchess's Stepping Back](#the-duchesss-stepping-back) 5. [Prince and Princess Michael of Kent: Another Royal Household](#prince-and-princess-michael-of-kent-another-royal-household) 6. [Kensington Palace: A Working Royal Residence and Visitor Destination](#kensington-palace-a-working-royal-residence-and-visitor-destination) 7. [A Historical Tapestry: From William III to Queen Victoria](#a-historical-tapestry-from-william-iii-to-queen-victoria) 8. [Beyond the Gates: What's it Like Inside?](#beyond-the-gates-whats-it-like-inside) 9. [The Future of Kensington Palace Residents](#the-future-of-kensington-palace-residents) *** ### The Enduring Legacy of Kensington Palace Kensington Palace is far more than just a collection of buildings; it is a living testament to centuries of British monarchy. Acquired by King William III in 1689, it quickly became the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. Of great historical importance, it was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria, cementing its place in the annals of royal history. Today, Kensington Palace contains the offices and London residences of various members of the Royal Family, continuing its long-standing tradition of housing those closest to the Crown. The palace has been called home by a remarkable array of figures, including Princess Diana, Princes William and Harry, King Charles, Princess Margaret, and many more. Its walls have witnessed personal joys, public duties, and significant transitions within the royal household. This rich past informs its present, as the question of who lives in Kensington Palace now is intrinsically linked to its historical significance and ongoing role within the monarchy. ### The Prince and Princess of Wales: The Palace's Primary Residents Without a doubt, the most prominent current residents of Kensington Palace are Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, along with their three children. Their return to Kensington in 2013 famously marked the establishment of their main London residence, a move that solidified the palace's contemporary importance as a central hub for the future of the monarchy. #### Apartment 1A: A Family Home The Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – reside in Apartment 1A. Despite its rather modest-sounding designation, Apartment 1A is a sprawling four-story residence with 20 rooms, previously home to Princess Margaret. It underwent extensive renovations before William and Catherine moved in, transforming it into a comfortable and secure family home that balances royal grandeur with modern living. While they have recently spent more time at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kensington Palace remains their official London base, a crucial point when considering who lives in Kensington Palace now. #### Their Role and Public Life As the future King and Queen Consort, the Prince and Princess of Wales carry significant royal duties. Kensington Palace serves as their administrative base in London, housing their private offices and staff. From here, they conduct engagements, host dignitaries, and manage their extensive charitable patronages. Their presence ensures that Kensington Palace remains at the forefront of royal activity, embodying the working nature of this historic residence. Their daily lives, though largely private, are intertwined with the palace's public role, making them central to understanding the current dynamics of who lives in Kensington Palace now. ### The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester: A Quieter Corner Another significant royal couple residing at Kensington Palace are Prince Richard, the Duke of Gloucester, and his wife, Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester. The Duke of Gloucester is a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and he and his wife undertake numerous official engagements in support of the King and the wider Royal Family. Their long-standing presence at the palace contributes to its continuity as a royal home. #### From Apartment 1 to The Old Stables The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester made a notable move within the palace grounds in 2019. They moved from the larger Apartment 1 to the Old Stables, which is a smaller residence at the palace. This relocation was part of a broader rationalisation of royal residences, demonstrating the adaptive nature of the palace's living arrangements to suit the evolving needs of its residents. Their continued residency underscores that Kensington Palace is home to a diverse array of royal family members, each with their own unique role and history within the institution. Their quiet but consistent presence is a key part of who lives in Kensington Palace now. ### The Duke and Duchess of Kent: Wren House Residents Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, another first cousin of the late Queen, lives with his wife Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, in Wren House at Kensington Palace. The Duke of Kent has dedicated his life to public service, undertaking numerous duties on behalf of the Crown, including serving as President of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (Wimbledon) for over 50 years. Their long tenure at Wren House highlights the stability and tradition that Kensington Palace represents for many senior royals. #### The Duchess's Stepping Back The Duchess of Kent has notably stepped back from many public duties in recent years, choosing a more private life. Despite this, she remains a resident of Wren House alongside her husband. Her decision to reduce her public profile illustrates the flexibility within royal life, where individuals can adapt their roles while maintaining their private residences within the royal estates. Their continued presence is an integral part of the answer to who lives in Kensington Palace now, representing a quieter, yet deeply rooted, aspect of royal life within the palace walls. ### Prince and Princess Michael of Kent: Another Royal Household Rounding out the list of current residents based in the palace's royal apartments are Prince Michael of Kent and his wife, Princess Michael of Kent. Prince Michael is also a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, making him a close relative to the reigning monarch. While they do not undertake official duties on behalf of the King and are not funded by the Sovereign Grant, they have historically rented their apartment at Kensington Palace, contributing to the upkeep of the estate. Their presence further diversifies the types of residents within the palace. Unlike the Prince and Princess of Wales or the Gloucesters and Kents, whose residences are directly tied to their official duties, Prince and Princess Michael represent a more private royal household within the palace complex. This arrangement showcases the multifaceted nature of Kensington Palace, which serves various purposes for different branches of the Royal Family, all contributing to the intricate tapestry of who lives in Kensington Palace now. ### Kensington Palace: A Working Royal Residence and Visitor Destination Beyond being a collection of private homes, Kensington Palace is fundamentally a working royal residence. This means it's not just a historical monument but a dynamic environment where royal staff operate, offices function, and official business is conducted. The palace contains the offices and London residences of TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, as well as the residences of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Simultaneously, a significant portion of Kensington Palace is open to the public, making it a popular visitor destination. Visitors can explore various exhibitions, including the King's State Apartments, the Queen's State Apartments, and exhibitions dedicated to figures like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana. This dual role – a private residence for royals and a public attraction – adds a unique layer to the palace's identity. It allows the public to connect with royal history while respecting the privacy of those who currently call it home, truly defining what Kensington Palace is today. ### A Historical Tapestry: From William III to Queen Victoria To fully appreciate who lives in Kensington Palace now, it's essential to understand its profound historical significance. The palace's royal story began in 1689 when King William III acquired it. Following the bloodless "Glorious Revolution" in 1688, where King James II was deposed and his daughter Mary and her husband, William of Orange, were offered the throne, they sought a residence away from the smoky air of central London. Kensington House, then a modest country villa, was purchased and transformed into Kensington Palace. It quickly became the favourite residence of successive sovereigns, including Queen Anne and the early Hanoverian monarchs, George I and George II. Its importance peaked during this period, serving as the primary seat of power until 1760. Perhaps its most enduring historical claim to fame is being the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria. It was within these very walls that the young Princess Victoria was woken on the morning of June 20, 1837, to be told she was Queen. This rich lineage underscores the palace's enduring importance and explains why it continues to be a coveted royal address. ### Beyond the Gates: What's it Like Inside? Many people wonder, "What's it like inside Kensington Palace?" or "Where did Diana, Pr. William and Harry live?" While the private apartments of the current residents are, by nature, very private, glimpses and descriptions over the years offer some insight. The apartments are grand, as one would expect from a royal residence, but they are also designed to be functional homes. They blend historical architecture with modern amenities, reflecting the needs of contemporary royal families. For instance, Apartment 1A, the home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, is known for its spacious rooms, high ceilings, and traditional decor, yet it also features modern kitchens and family-friendly spaces. The palace's various apartments and houses, such as Wren House and the Old Stables, each have their own character, reflecting the history of the building and the tastes of their occupants. While public access is limited to specific historical sections, the sheer scale and architectural beauty of the palace hint at the comfortable, if grand, lives led by those who reside there. The blend of historical grandeur and personal touches is a hallmark of who lives in Kensington Palace now. ### The Future of Kensington Palace Residents As the monarchy evolves, so too do the arrangements for its residences. While the Prince and Princess of Wales have recently spent more time at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kensington Palace remains their official London base and a critical part of their public and private lives. The long-standing presence of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent further cements the palace's role as a multi-generational royal home. The question of who lives in Kensington Palace now will continue to be a topic of interest, reflecting the enduring fascination with the Royal Family and their historic properties. As new generations of royals come of age and existing roles shift, the palace may see new occupants or new uses for its many apartments. However, its status as a working royal residence, a historical landmark, and a beloved home for key members of the British Royal Family is unlikely to change. The palace's walls will continue to witness history, quietly safeguarding the lives of those who call it home today and in the years to come. *** **Conclusion** Kensington Palace stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring presence of the British Royal Family. From its origins as a tranquil country retreat for William III and Mary II to its current role as the official London residence for TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, the palace continues to be a pivotal hub of royal life. It seamlessly blends its rich historical narrative with the daily realities of a working royal residence, inviting both public admiration and quiet domesticity. Understanding who lives in Kensington Palace now offers a fascinating glimpse into the contemporary monarchy, highlighting the blend of tradition, duty, and personal life that defines the royals. We hope this comprehensive guide has illuminated the current residents and the palace's ongoing significance. Do you have any thoughts on the palace's role today, or perhaps a favorite historical resident? Share your comments below, or explore more of our articles on the Royal Family's residences and history!