At Kensington Palace you can see magnificent State Apartments and the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. Set within the tranquillity of Kensington Gardens, this is the most intimate of royal palaces, not simply an impressive stage for the ceremonies of court life but a charming and much-loved home.

Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years, and it was here that Queen Victoria was born and spent her childhood and, recently, the palace was home to Diana, Princess of Wales. A permanent display of her dresses now adds a contemporary chapter to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, which tells the fascinating story of court dress from the 18th century to the present day. The magnificent State Apartments give a glimpse of court life, with an impressive display of paintings from the Royal Collection, including two Tintorettos.

Exhibitions & Events:
The last debutantes (11th June 2008 - January 2010)
1958. A Season of change
This summer Kensington Palace will mark the 50th anniversary of the last court presentations with a new temporary exhibition opening on 11 June 2008. Included in the ticket price the exhibition will take visitors on a journey into the glamorous and alluring world of the debutante.

The exhibition will draw visitors into the world of the debutante and experience the bewildering rules of etiquette and the dizzying schedule of presentations, cocktail parties and dances. Stunning gowns of some of the last ‘debs’ will be on display and photographs and personal reminiscences will combine to create an evocative multimedia experience, including the chance to be schooled in the art of the perfect curtsey.

 

Against this heady mix of ceremony and indulgence, the exhibition will set the scene of change that would see social unrest; political activism and teenage culture emerge in Britain in the summer of 1958.

 

A new exhibition of twelve dresses featuring seven never before displayed at Kensington Palace

This new exhibition at Kensington Palace focuses on the development of the Princess’s style from the romantic ruffles of the early 1980s to the sophisticated silhouette of the mid 1990s. 

The exhibition of twelve dresses features seven never before displayed at Kensington Palace

The dresses include an early evening dress by Donald Campbell from 1983 and a little black dress from 1995 by Gianni Versace.  Many of the dresses on display were designed by Diana’s favourite couturier, Catherine Walker.

They’re originals, made by leading British designers

Many of Diana’s dresses were made especially for her and are prime examples of the design skills and craftsmanship of some of the leading British fashion designers such as Catherine Walker, Victor Edelstein and Zandra Rhodes.

Famous dresses
One of the most famous dresses the Princess wore is the ink blue silk velvet Victor Edelstein creation she wore when she danced with John Travolta at the White House in 1985. 

This is featured with a pink and blue silk taffeta dress the princess wore in Melbourne in 1988 where she and Prince Charles led the way on the dance floor.  The exhibition will include images, both still and film, of the historic dances.

 

These sights are 'unmissable'

 

There are dozens of famous and exciting sights. We’ve chosen these as our 'Top ten'. Access to all these amazing sights is included in your admission ticket, unless otherwise stated.

 

This new exhibition of eighteen dresses features seven never before displayed at Kensington Palace, and explores the Princess’s iconic style (included in admission ticket). 

The King's staircase walls and ceiling are painted with William Kent’s vivid portrayals of George I’s court and its characters. As you climb the impressive staircase, can you spot the famous faces?

The stunning silk brocade court mantua and petticoat was very fashionable, but highly impractical. Dresses were worn over whalebone hoops and weighed down with heavy silver thread.   

The largest and longest of the state apartments at Kensington Palace, the King's gallery is as spectacular today as it was when decorated for King George I in 1727.

Celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the planting of the beautiful Sunken garden by enjoying the views of this intimate and tranquil oasis. Access is free and does not require a Palace ticket.  

Come and stand in the very bedroom in which, in the early hours of 20 June 1837, the young Princess Victoria awoke to the news that she was to be queen. 

This fine bed is called the ‘Warming Pan Bed’. Discover its connection to the ‘Glorious Revolution’, in which James II was deposed from the throne.

Our stunning and unique collection of English court dress has been added to by each royal generation from the 18th century to the present day. 

The Orangery is a member of the prestigious Tea Guild and offers one of the finest tea selections in London, as well as a range of premium wines and champagnes.

Explore the debutantes' world in a new exhibition marking the anniversary of the last court presentations. 

Opening Times:

Mar - Oct:	10:00 - 18:00	Last Admission 17:00
Nov - Feb:	10:00 - 17:00	Last Admission 16:00