Kate and William move to Kensington Palace
Britain’s most exclusive residential street is about to receive the country’s most famous newlyweds. Kensington Palace is to once again be the home of Prince William, this time with his new bride Kate Middleton – the Duchess of Cambridge
Located on Kensington Palace Gardens, (where house prices average at £18million), the move to the London attraction should prove a happy return for William, who lived there as a child with his mother Princess Diana. After her separation from Prince Charles, Diana lived in apartments on the Palace grounds with Harry and William, and the place is said to hold cherished memories for the Princes.
Two's Company...
Until now William and Kate’s London residence has been Clarence House, where they share an apartment with Prince Harry. Although the three reportedly get on famously, this arrangement is no longer considered ‘ideal’ now that William and Kate are married. With reputed instances of Kate walking in on various inebriated chums of Harry’s, a little matrimonial privacy is an understandable request.
Despite the London move the Royal couple will continue to use their rented farmhouse on the Welsh island of Anglesey as their permanent home until 2013. The picturesque island of Anglesey is close to Prince William’s RAF base, where he is stationed as a helicopter pilot.
Elite location aside, Kensington Palace has a further advantage for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The most famous bridesmaid of 2011, Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton lives very nearby with their brother James.
The First Palace
Kensington Palace has been traditionally regarded as a Royal starter home, (Charles and Diana moved in a year after marriage) so it was an unsurprising choice for the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. However, finding available rooms for the newlyweds was a challenge. The Palace is already home to the Duke and Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
Described as ‘moderate’, the apartment designated for William and Kate is situated on the Palace estate and hasn’t housed senior Royals in living memory. In recent years the apartment has been used for staff accommodation, and in anticipation of the Royal pair minor refurbishment has taken place. Kate has been actively involved in the apartment’s makeover; ensuring it is in keeping with their taste and style.
The couple are to move to the capital permanently in 2013, when a more ‘substantial’ London residence is to be found. An indication perhaps that a Royal addition is a prospect for 2014…
