The monarchs of Kensington Palace
Five monarchs called Kensington home. William and Mary bought it in 1689; Mary, William, Anne and George II all died here; and Victoria was born here in 1819 and lived here until the morning she became queen.
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King William III and Queen Mary II
Reigned 1689–1702
They bought Nottingham House in 1689 for the clean air, had Christopher Wren rebuild it, and both died here.
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Queen Anne
Reigned 1702–1714
Mary’s younger sister enlarged the palace, built the Orangery, and died here in 1714.
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King George I
Reigned 1714–1727
The first Hanoverian king rebuilt the heart of the palace and gave it the state rooms you can visit today.
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King George II
Reigned 1727–1760
The last reigning monarch to live at Kensington spent months here every year, and died here at breakfast in 1760.
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Queen Victoria
Born here 1819, queen from 1837
Born at Kensington in 1819, she was woken here at dawn on 20 June 1837 to be told she was queen.
Walk Kensington’s royal story with a guide
Our small-group tours start in 2027. Register your interest to hear first.