Kensington Palace and Gardens

Statue of William at Kensington Palace
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It's amazing to think that Kensington Palace was originally built as a country get-away for the Royals now that it's right in the middle of some of the busiest, most built up areas of London.  But surrounded by Kensington Gardens and then Hyde Park on one side, it still does retain a peaceful secluded feel about the residence.

Kensington Palace was the home of the late Princess Diana and also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.  William III who reigned jointly with Mary II, bought the Jacobean mansion in 1689.  They commissioned Christopher Wren to extend and improve the house.

"Yummy pizza!"
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We were amazed at how much of the Palace is actually open to the public.  We got to see state apartments and rooms where parties and social gatherings are held and a house full of incredible paintings.

How amazing to walk where royalty ate, slept, and played.  It currently houses the offices and apartments of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

The Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection which is housed here, has items of royal, ceremonial and court dress dating from the 18th century to the present day was genuinely interesting.  We could have spent a lot longer looking through these and learn about court life but to say that Grace was not interested is quite a bit of an understatement, so we moved on pretty swiftly taking turns to explore various part of the place in turn while the other tried to keep Grace amused.

"I want to go back on the swings and I'm not cold!"
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A photographic exhibition of Princess Diana by Mario Testino currently on display was actually quite interesting and the commentary provided some interesting insights to the princess.

So we left the palace (via the shop for our Kensington Palace Orange Chocolate) and headed out to the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.  This was the time when the fog had closed hearthrow airport and there was a surreal thick fog hanging over the whole gardens.  We ate yummy pizza in the freezing cold outdoor eatery.    Grace loved the playground and didn't seem to feel the cold, but we were both completely freezing, we couldn't stay there any longer, so dragged Grace away and promised to bring her back another day.

Grace walking with Angela in the grounds of Kensington Palace
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So a few days later we were back and thankfully the temperature had risen a few degrees and we played for an hour or so.  The playground is amazing, it's made from wood and encourages children to use their imagination and explore.  The centre piece is a huge pirate ship with sand all around with alcoves to hide in and planks to walk.  There are Indian Teepees and a space with 5 different shaped and sized slides, plus swings and little playhouses.  All the children and parents who were brave enough to endure the cold had a very good time.  We guess this park will be very busy in the warm summer months.