Kensington Palace is a historic royal residence in London, set within Kensington Gardens, and it has been home to members of the British royal family since the 17th century. It is especially known as the birthplace of Queen Victoria and as the current London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The palace began as a Jacobean mansion before becoming an official royal residence under William III and Mary II in 1689. Today, some areas are open to visitors, including the King’s and Queen’s State Apartments, exhibitions, and the gardens.
 
Interesting facts
Queen Victoria grew up there under the highly controlling Kensington System, which tightly regulated her daily life and social contact. A reminder that even royalty can be trapped by protocol.