Kensington Palace Apartment 1A: 7 Shocking Secrets Of William And Kate's £4.5 Million "Starter Home"

Despite its misleading name, Kensington Palace Apartment 1A is one of the most significant and historically rich royal residences in the United Kingdom. As of December 2025, this sprawling four-story, 20-to-22-room home remains the official London office and base for the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince William and Kate Middleton, even though the family now primarily resides at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. This deep dive uncovers the surprising facts, the staggering cost of its refurbishment, and the fascinating history of this colossal "apartment" that anchors the Wales family in the capital.

The residence, which takes up an entire wing of the historic Kensington Palace, is far from a typical flat. It stands as a testament to royal heritage and modern family life, having been meticulously transformed from its previous life as the bohemian home of Princess Margaret into a comfortable, yet grand, family hub for the future King and Queen Consort.

The Royal Residents and Architectural Profile of Apartment 1A

Apartment 1A is perhaps best known for its two most prominent sets of royal residents, separated by a generation but united by its walls. Its history is a blend of 20th-century glamour and 21st-century modernity.

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• Current Residents (Official): The Prince and Princess of Wales (Prince William and Kate Middleton)
• Children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis
• Current Use: Official London Office and Residence
• Previous Primary Residence: 2013–2022
• Previous Notable Residents: Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones (Lord Snowdon)
• Location: Kensington Palace, London, W8 4PU
• Size: Approximately 20–22 rooms spread over four stories
• Key Features: Five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, dressing rooms, a night nursery, day nursery, staff quarters, and a private walled garden.
• Original Palace Architect: Sir Christopher Wren (17th Century)

The palace itself, originally known as Nottingham House, was commissioned by King William III and Queen Mary II and features the impressive brick facade designed by the legendary Sir Christopher Wren.

The Staggering £4.5 Million Renovation and Design Secrets

When Prince William and Kate Middleton were gifted Apartment 1A by the late Queen Elizabeth II upon their marriage, the residence was in dire need of modernization. The subsequent refurbishment became a major public talking point due to its eye-watering cost and the use of taxpayer money via the Sovereign Grant.

1. The Cost Controversy and Timeline

The extensive renovation of Apartment 1A cost the British taxpayer approximately £4.5 million (over $6 million). The work, which began in 2013 and took nearly two years, involved a complete overhaul of the electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating systems—some of which dated back 50 years.

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• Total Public Cost: Approximately £4.5 million.
• Key Technical Works: Full electrical refurbishment (valued at £340,000 alone), new plumbing, asbestos removal, and roof repairs.
• Timeline: Completed in 2013, with the family moving in shortly after.

While the structural and system upgrades were funded publicly, the cost of the interior decoration, furnishings, and personal touches was paid for privately by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (as they were then known).

2. Ben Pentreath’s Vision: A "Country Home" Feel

The interior design was reportedly spearheaded by the renowned British architect and designer Ben Pentreath, known for his traditional, classical style with a modern twist. The goal was to transform the grand, palatial space into a more comfortable, family-friendly environment that blended royal history with contemporary living.

The decor is often described as being more reminiscent of a comfortable country home than a grand, intimidating lounge. Key design features include:

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• The Entrance Hall: A grand entrance hall sets a classical tone for the four-story home.
• The Drawing Room: Features comfortable cream sofas, floral cushions, and a mix of antique and modern furnishings, creating a traditional yet relaxed atmosphere.
• The Dining Room: An open-plan design featuring three large arched windows, allowing natural light to flood the space.
• Art and Furnishings: The apartment is a trove of fine antique furniture, historic furnishings, and artwork, balanced with personal items like family photographs and ceramic lamps.

The Royal Neighbors and The "Apartment" Misconception

The term "apartment" is perhaps the most confusing aspect of the residence. In the context of Kensington Palace, an "apartment" refers to a self-contained part of the larger palace structure, not a typical flat. Apartment 1A is, in fact, a massive four-story house.

3. Princess Margaret’s Bohemian Legacy

Before William and Kate, Apartment 1A was the home of Princess Margaret, the sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, photographer Lord Snowdon. Margaret lived there from her marriage in 1960 until her death in 2002. Her time there was marked by a bohemian, artistic atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the more traditional style of the current residents. The apartment was a hub for the 'Swinging Sixties' social scene, hosting parties and artistic gatherings, making its history a truly fascinating one.

4. The Current Royal Neighborhood

Kensington Palace is a multi-generational residence, housing several members of the extended Royal Family. This concentration of royals makes it a key operational hub for the monarchy. Other notable residents include:

• Apartment 10: Home to Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.
• The Duke and Duchess of Kent: Also maintain an apartment within the palace.
• Apartment 1: Previously home to the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, it is a 21-room residence that has been vacant since they moved out.

This proximity allows for easy coordination of royal duties and provides a secure, private environment for the family's official functions.

5. The Shift to Adelaide Cottage

In 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales made the decision to move their family's main residence to Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor estate. This move was driven by a desire for a more private, less centrally-located home that allowed their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—to have a more normal upbringing and attend a local school.

However, Apartment 1A remains critically important. It functions as their official London headquarters, where their staff, including the Royal Household, are based, and where they conduct official meetings and host dignitaries when in the capital.

6. The Private Walled Garden

One of the most coveted features of Apartment 1A is its private, walled garden. This secluded outdoor space provides a crucial sanctuary for the family, especially when their children were young. Unlike the public gardens of Kensington Palace, this area is entirely private, offering a secure and discreet place for the family to relax away from the public eye and the palace's operational bustle.

7. A London Base, Not a Permanent Home

The ongoing narrative surrounding Apartment 1A is its role as a high-profile, yet secondary, residence. While Anmer Hall in Norfolk remains a beloved country retreat, and Adelaide Cottage is the main family home, Apartment 1A’s value is now purely strategic. It is the perfect central London base, allowing Prince William and Kate to fulfill their duties without the constant commute from Windsor. It serves as a powerful symbol of their commitment to their roles, bridging the gap between historical royal life and modern family needs.