Kensington Palace is popularly known as the official residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, from her fairytale marriage to Prince Charles in 1981 to her tragic death in 1997. Her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, attended pre-school in nearby Notting Hill. Today, the residents of the palace and its state apartments are the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester; the Duke and Duchess of Kent; and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall and wife of Charles, Prince of Wales.

Since its construction in the 17th century, Kensington Palace served as home to many British monarchs. Its first royal occupant was William III of Orange who had always wanted a residence near London. The great British queen, Victoria, and Queen Mary, the grandmother of reigning Elizabeth II, were born at Kensington Palace.

The palace, which was known in early times as Nottingham House, is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London. Certain parts of the palace is open to public at a certain fee. A small alley beside Kensington Palace called York Street leads to a cluster of foreign embassies where taking of photographs and videos is prohibited. The nearest tube station to the palace is Kensington High Street.