![]() Those lucky enough to be allowed further into the King’s State Rooms would next enter into the Privy Chamber, which was once Queen Caroline (1683-1737), the wife of George II’s favourite place to entertain guests and family.įollowing on from the Privy Chamber is the Cupola Room, which was the first room decorated by William Kent and definitely shows off his skill. Surrounding the fireplace is a handful of Grinling Gibbons or sleeping cherubs surrounded by roses, which were once painted lead white, however, are now plain limewood. In the centre circle, the Roman god Apollo is riding his chariot through the sky on a dark cloud. Once again, William Kent produced the ceiling paintings and was inspired by the recently excavated houses on the Palatine Hill in Rome. Although the original is either lost or too worn for display, a replica is in place in the Presence Chamber today. Sparsely furnished, this is where the reigning king received his important guests whilst seated on a throne under a crimson silk damask canopy. The first room in the tour of the King’s State Apartments is the Presence Chamber. George I was later succeeded by his son, George II (1683-1760), and it was during both their reigns that many changes and embellishments occurred at Kensington Palace. Having no direct heir, Anne passed her throne to Georg Ludwig Elector of Hanover (1660-1727) who was distantly related to James I (1566-1625). Queen Anne (1665-1714) was disinclined to make any changes to the building when she moved in, however, she did concentrate on the garden, adding an Orangery in 1705. William III had little interest in the palace after his wife died in 1694, although he did entertain the Russian Tsar Peter the Great (1672-1725) here in 1698. When William and Mary moved in at the beginning of the 1690s, this staircase was furnished with plain wooden panels, however, this was replaced with the staircase still in place today during the Georgian-era. The King’s rooms are located at the top of a painted staircase. The State Apartments are part of the palace open to visitors and are included in the initial entrance fee. Staircase leading to the King’s State Apartments Although the Palace has since been extended further, this initial extension added several rooms, for instance, a chapel, kitchens, stables and, most importantly, the State Apartments. Shortly after purchasing the building for £20,000, the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren, famously remembered for the reconstruction of St Paul’s Cathedral, was hired to transform the house into a suitable royal residence. The house was fairly small in comparison to the size of the palace today. In 1689, a year after James II (1633-1701) had been deposed, the new joint monarchs William III (1650-1702) and Mary II (1662-94) purchased the house, thus putting Kensington clearly on the map. Kensington was originally a small, remote village with acres of open fields on which sat a simple squire’s mansion known as Nottingham House. Throughout its 300 year history, Kensington Palace has been a number of things, including army barracks, a museum, a home and, most importantly, a setting for the royal court. These rooms also contain many paintings and objects belonging to the royal collection. Parts of the palace, namely the State Rooms, are open to the public under the care of the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces. It is currently the home of several members of the British royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the recently married Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. Regular deals on weekend breaks check website for details.Kensington Palace, set in Kensington Gardens in London, has been a royal residence since the 17th-century. Read More Details Openĭoubles from £230, junior suites £290. Despite the name, the famous architect never lived here. There’s a pleasant drinks terrace and a rather old-fashioned restaurant, as well as free wi-fi. The apartments are around the corner and offer that little bit more room if you wanted the family to join in. Of course, you don't have to get married to enjoy a romantic weekend, step outside the Sir Christopher Wren Hotel and you’ll be by the Thames – and what could be more romantic than a dusk stroll along the river path? For something extra special, the hotel staff will book you a private luxury boat.Ī dozen of the 139 rooms face the river, and the priciest have balconies overlooking the swans and cruisers. A regal hotel in a to-die-for location in EtonĪ regal building, and a to-die-for location – alongside Eton Bridge and shadowed by the Castle – make this one of Windsor’s more popular wedding venues: beware of bouquets and discos at weekends.
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