Kensington Palace

Originally a private country house, the building was acquired in 1689 by William III and Mary II who commissioned Christopher Wren to transform the site into their elegant new London home, away from the noise and bustle of Whitehall. For the next 70 years the palace was at the centre of royal life and played host to the courts of William and Mary, Queen Anne, George I and George II. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of the future Queen Victoria and here, on that fateful day in 1837, that she received news that her uncle was dead, and that she was Queen.

More recent residents have also included Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, the palace remains a Royal Household and is also home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection. As well as being a popular London landmark for visitors from around the world, it is also an inspiring venue for stylish events.

The opulent State Apartments have been the place to see and be seen since 1689 and provide a rich and sumptuous backdrop for a memorable dinner. The Queen’s Gallery is the perfect introduction; an ideal setting for pre-dinner drinks followed by a fascinating tour offering guests a glimpse into the past and the lives of the people who shaped the history of this magnificent palace. Then to dinner in the Cupola Room, King’s Drawing Room or King’s Gallery; all lavishly decorated by William Kent as befitting their grand public purpose.

Since 1704, the graceful Orangery has been an historic location for summer entertainment. Originally built for Queen Anne, she would entertain friends with masked balls and frivolous parties. In winter months, it provided an elegant shelter for Anne’s collection of exotic plants and trees. The spacious Orangery is the perfect venue for a summer wedding or an evening party and benefits from a Portland stone terrace and expansive lawns.

In 2010, Historic Royal Palaces began a £12 million major project to transform this iconic London landmark.Kensington Palace had lain almost untouched since Queen Victoria’s reign and our aim was to re-present this beautiful building and improve the experience of visitors to the palace.

By April 2012, the project will be complete and a stunning new entrance and public gardens to the east will have been created which will link the palace once again to neighbouring Kensington Gardens. Inspired by the 18th century landscaping of the area, the scheme will reinstate historic vistas to and from the palace and create a new outdoor space for public use and enjoyment. Inside the palace a free, central ‘hub’ will be introduced, from which visitors will be invited to explore stories of the monarchs and people who lived at Kensington through a new visitor route and exhibition spaces.

This new area, known as the Entrance Hall and East Front Gardens, will also be available for private evening hire. Until then, Kensington Palace remains open for private hire although some spaces will be temporarily closed between January and March to allow the re-presentation work to proceed.

Kensington Palace is looked after by Historic Royal Palaces, an independent charity. They help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. They receive no funding from the Government or the Crown, so they depend on the support of their visitors, members, donors, volunteers and sponsors. By hiring the palace for your event, not only will you and your guests enjoy a truly memorable occasion in a spectacular setting, your hire fee will also provide an important and welcome contribution to this exciting project and their on-going work.

Event Types

Awards Ceremony, Ball, Barbeque, Charity Event, Christmas Party, Concert, Conference, Corporate Hospitality, Dinner, Fashion Show, Launch Event, Meeting, Party, Presentation, Press Launch, Reception, Seminar, Showcase Event, Wedding Reception.