Few residences hold the prestige of Kensington Palace – the official London residence of The Prince and Princess of Wales, owned by King Charles III.

While the Prince, Princess, and their children spend much of their time away from Kensington Palace (in Adelaide Cottage on the Windsor Castle Estate) – their home, known as Apartment 1A – serves as a base when visiting the British capital. This part of the palace is (understandably) closed to visitors (who can explore the Queen's and King's State Apartments and gardens) – so glimpses inside the home are hard to come by. However, they are some exceptions. 

Rare snapshots from the Prince and Princess's living spaces give a sense of their decorating ideas  – reportedly designed by Ben Pentreath (whose other clients include Liv Tyler and Sarah Jessica Parker). Here's what you can learn from their home in Kensington Palace, according to designers in the know. 

1. Begin with a taupe, cream and beige color palette

While there is a lot to note about Kensington Palace's color scheme – the base hues are the best place to start. All the photos showcase a timeless neutral backdrop that allows statement furnishings to make the statement they deserve. However, Los Angeles designer Rande Leaman says that the same can be said for neutral-toned accessories, too.  

'Kate is pictured with two pillows that have a soft taupe and cream color palate and a more organic feel to them,' the designer says. 'I like how the neutral color scheme lets the furnishings, art (and people) stand out.'

The princess' pillow has a faint thistle print, shown subtly against the neutral material. We found a similar style pillow (also boasting a floral pattern) below. 

2.  Don't underestimate the power of a side table

'What I love about these images from Kensington Palace is that you can clearly feel that it is a traditional design style, and yet there is still some modern flair seen in the use of a plexiglass side table,' says designer Faith Blakeney. 

'Had it not been for this table (seen below), the design would have felt too cluttered and over the top, but adding something simple and modern created the space to enjoy all the classical pieces around it.'

And Faith is not alone in her observations. Rande also draws attention to the table – saying that the contemporary piece is a reminder of the family who frequents the space. 

'Amid stunning antique furnishings, I love how they've incorporated a contemporary lucite side table in the mix,' she says. 'This combination of styles shakes up the traditional decor and reminds us a young family resides here.'

3. Invest in an upholstered ottoman 

Few ottoman ideas are quite as luxurious and beautiful as the one seen in Kensington Palace, pictured above. 

'I adore the giant upholstered ottoman (which I first mistook for the most elegant and decadent dog bed I've ever seen). Its extremely large size and muted colored fabric help the room feel soft and comfortable,' Faith says. 'This is welcome in such a grand, opulent space.' To achieve a similar look, we recommend the one below. 

4. Interrupt a neutral scheme with vibrant accessories 

Rande has already noted neutral base colors allow colored furnishings to stand out, but Heather Humphrey, the founder and principal designer at Alder & Tweed, agrees. 

'One of my favorite features from the photos below is how much color is infused into each space. They weren’t afraid to mix unexpected floral patterns and bright colors that complement each other and add visual interest,' Heather says.

5. Experiment with antique furniture in a contemporary setting

It may come as no surprise that Apartment 1A is a trove of the finest antique furniture (it has served as a royal residence for young royals for over 300 years, after all). However, notably the Prince and Princess of Wales have paired these pieces with more modern furnishings to bring the home firmly into the twenty-first century. 

'I love in the palace is the antique pieces that are scattered throughout the rooms. The mix of old and new pieces juxtaposes a vintage yet timeless space,' Heather says. 'The classic ornamental gold frames fill the walls in a beautiful way.'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decorated their first home with lamps from IKEA and second-hand furniture – Harry's new book reveals. 

The anticipated memoir, Spare, is due for official release tomorrow, January 10th, but it has already made headlines in recent days. Early copies – accidentally sold in Spain last week before they were pulled from the shelves – shared a preview of the life of the couple, who resigned as working royals to raise their family in Montecito, California. 

A section explores the differences in royal residences – most specifically between Apartment 1A in Kensington Palace (where his brother and Catherine, now the Prince and Princess of Wales, lived) and Nottingham Cottage, where Harry and Meghan moved after their marriage in May 2018. 

In June of that year, Prince Harry claimed to have visited Prince William and Princess Catherine's apartment with Meghan to make peace after some disagreements. However, after the meeting, Harry writes that his sibling's newly-renovated apartment left him and Meghan feeling 'embarrassed' by their 'cozy' home.

In an extract acquired by the Daily Mail, Harry writes: 'We congratulated them on the renovation without holding back the compliments while feeling embarrassed of our IKEA lamps and the second-hand sofa we'd recently bought on sale with Meg's credit card on sofa.com.'

In contrast, Harry hints that Prince William's home was a trove of more luxurious decorating ideas. 'The wallpaper, the ceiling trim, the walnut bookshelves filled with volumes of peaceful colors, priceless works of art. Magnificent. Like a museum,' he says. It is not known which IKEA model the couple chose; however, the retailer has a series of iconic products – with the HEKTAR floor lamp and TORARED shade among their top-sellers. 

Despite being known as an 'apartment,' the Prince and Princess of Wales' London base is the size of a large house – covering four stories, with 20 rooms in total. Prince William and Catherine have since moved to Adelaide Cottage, a significantly smaller home in Windsor. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle moved into Nottingham Cottage (also known as 'Nott Cott'), as the Prince and Princess of Wales had done after their marriage in 2011. Celebrity interior designer Kelly Hoppen decorated the cottage for William and Catherine, who remained there until 2013, before the birth of their first son, Prince George. 

In their recent Netflix documentary, Meghan and Harry offered more information about their time in Nottingham Cottage – sharing that Harry would often hit his head in the 'small' property. 'It was just a chapter in our lives where I don’t think anyone could believe what it was actually like behind the scenes,' Meghan adds.

Prince Harry's new autobiography, Spare, tells of an alleged incident between him and his brother, William, the Prince of Wales, in Nottingham Cottage on Kensington Palace grounds. 

Nottingham Cottage served as the couple's first home when Meghan first moved to London and consequently featured in their eponymous Netflix series. In the show, they share that the royal residence 'sounds like a palace' but, for them, it wasn’t. 'As far as people were concerned, we were living in a palace,' Harry says in the documentary. 'And we were – in a cottage. In palace grounds.'

'Kensington Palace sounds very regal; of course, it does. It says "palace" in the name! But Nottingham Cottage was so small,' Meghan says. She adds that Harry would often hit his head in the same place because of his height. 'It was just a chapter in our lives where I don’t think anyone could believe what it was actually like behind the scenes.' 

However, Nottingham Cottage is again making headlines following Harry's claims regarding Prince William's visit to Nottingham Cottage (also known as 'Nott Cott').

What is Nottingham Cottage?

The property was designed by acclaimed English architect Sir Christopher Wren, who also created St. Paul's Cathedral in London in the 17th century, following the Great Fire of London. Its name derives from Nottingham House, the residence of the Earl of Nottingham. Meghan and Harry lived there before moving to Frogmore Cottage in April 2019, ahead of the birth of their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor. 

How many bedrooms does Nottingham Cottage have?

The 1,324-square-foot home has two bedrooms, two reception rooms, and a bathroom. There is also a small country garden that leads onto the wider Kensington Palace estate. 

Marion Crawford, a governess to Princess Margaret and Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II), resided in the cottage from 1948 to 1950. She described it as 'a dream 'of seasoned red brick...with roses round the door' (according to Elizabeth: A Biography of Her Majesty the Queen by Sarah Bradford). 

Who lives in Nottingham Cottage now?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved out of Nottingham Cottage in 2019, setting up their home in Frogmore Cottage following their wedding.

Nottingham Cottage is now home to another young royal family. The two-bedroom home on the grounds of Kensington Palace is currently reported to be home to Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their son August.

William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, have a number of royal residences to call home. As well as their new primary property, Adelaide Cottage, situated within the grounds of Windsor Castle, the royal couple retain Kensington Palace as a home-from-home in London for themselves and their children.

Kensington Palace is more than 400 years old, but its style isn't stuck in the past. In fact, we've spotted that the elegant main sitting room, where the royals have hosted prestigious guests including President Barack Obama and Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, has recently had an upgrade.

The unusual octagonal ottoman that sits at the center of the room has been reupholstered in an opulent new fabric. From beige blot to a wow focal point, it's now the standout feature in the room.

The standout ottoman: the details

Just like the best living room ideas, the ottoman in this formal living room has been designed to draw the eye and create a focal point in the room. With the couches grouped around it, it creates the perfect center for conversation to flow around.

The large-scale fabric features a stylized tulip motif, and its shades of red, blue, green, and yellow on a cream ground bring color and drama to the predominantly restrained color scheme.

'The colors are picked up in accents elsewhere around the room, in the lampshades, throw cushions on the window seat, and richly patterned ceramics, creating a sense of flow,' suggests Sarah Spiteri, editorial director at Homes & Gardens.

Ottoman design: scale, size and shape

Apart from its fabric, the ottoman in Catherine and William's Kensington Palace sitting room has another standout feature – its size and shape. The ottoman is a large-scale piece, suitable for the size of the room. And it is octagonal in shape, with eight angled sides that add another element of drama.

'Ottoman ideas might include the fabric or covering; the shape of the piece, for example, circular, square, or rectangular; and details such as piping or button upholstery,' says Sarah Spiteri, editorial director at Homes & Gardens. 'This piece goes further, with an unusual shape that creates a talking point in the room.'

Ottoman style: a new look with upholstery

As you can see from the image above, which records the visit of President Obama to Kensington Palace in 2016, the ottoman hasn't always looked the same. Previously, it was covered in a white and gold embroidered fabric that worked tonally with the room's decor.

The new upholstery creates contrast within the decor scheme and updates the scheme with the more maximalist decor trend that's popular right now.

Get the other key design details

Why is Kensington Palace important?

Kensington Palace is steeped in history. It was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and has been the home to young royals for 300 years, including Princes William and Harry, who lived here with their mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and father, Charles – now King Charles – before their parents' divorce.

Today, it is the official London residence of William and Catherine, and their children,  Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Can I go inside Kensington Palace?

Visitors can tour Kensington Palace and its gardens, but there are some state rooms and private  areas that remain out of bounds for everyone except the royal family and official visitors. It's in these elegant spaces that royal business takes place, such as the meeting between New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Prince William, which took place earlier this summer.

The Prince and Princess of Wales recently made headlines after moving to Adelaide Cottage – their new family home in Windsor Home Park just east of Windsor Castle in Berkshire.

When a member of the family moves royal residences (or an entire family, as is the case here), it is only inevitable to want to catch a glimpse into their decorating ideas – and royal fans have not had to wait too long in this case. 

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, recently shared an insight into one of the living spaces in Adelaide Cottage, which she shares with her husband, Prince William, and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The room served as the backdrop to a video for Addiction Awareness Week, which Catherine shared via the Kensington Royal Twitter (below). 

This footage is the first and only insight into the famous Adelaide Cottage and offers a hint at what the rest of the home's decor might involve.

The space is undeniably traditional – with its pink, white and red color ideas that make the space feel warming and welcoming but fittingly regal. The framed photographs that sit behind the Princess bring a sense of personality to the room and encourage us to incorporate sentimental pieces in our homes – whether that is through photos (such as these) or other heirlooms. 

Beyond the color scheme and accessories, the room is a masterclass in luxurious textiles – seen primarily through its clean sofa and tossed cushions that add comfort without sacrificing style. A similar blend was seen in the family's former home, Kensington Palace, in London. In that home (pictured below), the Prince and Princess similarly married warming textures with interior design trends – merging a large, comfortable sofa with printed cushions and striking houseplants. 

Prince William and Kate's move to Adelaide Cottage reportedly came after the couple wanted to give their children as normal an upbringing as possible. The home, which is just under thirty miles away from the center of London, is convenient for the children's school and is also close to Windsor Castle – one of the most famous royal residences in the UK. 

The four-bedroom property was initially a teahouse for Queen Adelaide in the early nineteenth century, but it quickly became more elegant after the reign over Queen Victoria (who used it as a guesthouse). The cottage has served as a prominent royal residence over recent years, but its new tenants, William and Catherine, will surely continue to bring the home firmly into the modern day – without losing its quintessential charm, naturally. 

In their move from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage, it is reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton have downsized, according to a royal insider, who has revealed that the couple's new four-bedroom home is one room smaller than their previous suites. 

Adelaide Cottage is one of many royal residences used by senior royals who wish to take a step away from the public eye and maintain privacy in their personal lives. The move was completed earlier this fall before their three children started school, but it has been revealed that the home is perhaps not as large as they were used to. 

With the family set to make yet another move to Windsor Castle at some point in the next year, we take a look at the humble cottage that currently houses the heirs to the throne. 

While a splendid cottage with four bedroom ideas may sound like a luxury to anybody else, the smaller property means that the couple will likely have had to break with royal tradition – marking yet another change in the royal protocol as King Charles decided against Buckingham Palace for his new home earlier this year.

According to tradition, each royal family member has their own bedroom, with suites at Kensington Palace boasting two master suites for the Prince and Princess respectively. 

The aristocracy 'always have separate bedrooms,' Lady Pamela Hicks, Prince Phillips's cousin and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth II, once said. 'In England, the upper class always had separate bedrooms. You don't want to be bothered with snoring or someone flinging a leg around.'

'It is lovely to be able to choose,' she had added. 

Unless two of their three children are sharing a room, it is likely that the couple will have to forgo this tradition and the tradition of maintaining a live-in nanny in their new Berkshire abode. 

4 things to know about Adelaide Cottage

As with any historic home, Adelaide cottage has its own long – and at times scandalous, past. We take a look.

1. Nearly 200 years old, the cottage is still a wondrous piece of architecture

The 19th century, grade II listed cottage is famously one of the most private of the royal houses, with very few pictures of the exterior of the cottage to be found and no cameras allowed inside of the home – with the exception of the blooming photographer Kate Middleton's, of course. 

Despite its 'humble' size, however, the cottage is not short of royal flare, with extensive renovations in 2015 reportedly maintaining a Graeco-Egyptian fireplace, gilded dolphin motifs on the bedroom ceiling ideas, and rope decorations from a 19th-century royal yacht. Erected in a picturesque style, the building has been described throughout history as 'chastely elegant', and originally contained spaces such as two public rooms, a retiring room, and a pages room. The wondrous architecture means the property can be found on the protected National Heritage list.

Such grand decorations are perhaps to be expected given the cottage's prime location on the grounds of Home Park on the Windsor Estate. Built in 1831 for William IV's wife, Queen Adelaide, the cottage is often described as an idyllic upscale 'grace and favor' home, given to close friends and family as a token of love and gratitude. 

The stucco façade, sculptural chimneys, and period fireplaces shall remain untouched in the protected home due to both the nature of the properties listing, and the previous uproar of the British taxpayers after the renovations at the neighboring Frogmore Cottage, owned by Prince Harry and Meghan.

Luckily for William and Kate, they will continue their ownership of apartment 1a at Kensington Palace when they commute to London for royal engagements. They also maintain their ownership of Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate, a countryside escape that the young family has grown incredibly fond of.

2. The cottage has been home royal scandal

While the cottage is now seen as a splendid family home, its past is a little more sordid.

The royal family is infamous for some scandals they would rather forget, one of which being the unsavory affair between the divorced Captain Peter Wooldridge Townsend, a Royal Airforce officer, and the late Queen's sister, Princess Margaret. A relationship the royals attempted to keep under wraps for many years with Townsend residing in the cottage.

It was not until King Charles' marriage to the then-divorced Camilla Parker Bowles that divorcees were welcomed into the royal fold, making the princess's brief engagement one that cast a long shadow over the family for many years until Margaret was forced to end the relationship.

3. The architect is also responsible for Windsor Castle's most iconic features

Architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville was not only entrusted to design and oversee the picturesque cottage by King George IV, but also extensive renovations to the nearby Windsor castle. 

Wyatville added many of the castle's iconic features such as the towers, turrets, and crenelations that give the castle its distinctly gothic appearance – a far cry from the idyllic and quaint cottage, demonstrating the extraordinary architect's range. Wyatville is also the mastermind behind the Waterloo Chamber, a masterful celebration of the defeat of the French at the end of the Napoleonic wars in the Battle of Waterloo. 

The Waterloo Chamber is now one of the highlights of the Windsor Castle tour. 

4. Ever a family for sustainability, the cottage was formed from reclaimed materials

The modern royal family is famous for its efforts toward sustainability and it looks as if the lineage has not changed much in the last century. 

According to Jane Robert's book Royal Landscape: The Gardens and Parks of Windsor (now out of print), the cottage was constructed using old parts reclaimed from the original Royal Lodge that had been demolished in 1830. The veranda, french windows, roof tiles, and chimney are amongst the parts salvaged, Robert's claims, along with some of the lodge's original furniture. 

Has Adelaide Cottage been renovated?

Adelaide Cottage underwent a series of major renovations in 2015, the first since 1955, that brought the home up to modern standards and converted the property into a comfortable four-bedroom home with grand royal touches such as ceilings covered in gilded dolphins and a marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace.

Who owns Frogmore Cottage in Windsor?

Frogmore Cottage is currently owned by the crown but is being leased by Prince Harry and Megan. The couple currently spend most of their time in the US with their two children, however, so the property is currently in use by Princes Eugenie and her husband.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have inherited a quaint farmhouse aptly located in the southwestern county of Carmarthenshire, Wales. 

Named Llwynywermod Estate, the cottage was formally owned by King Charles III, who purchased the property on the outskirts of Myddfai 15 years ago. The lesser-known royal residence was often frequented by the King and his wife, Camilla, Queen Consort. However, it became home to the new Prince and Princess of Wales following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th. 

What was once a former model farm is now one of the world's best homes (owned by one of the most famous couples), but it is not William and Catherine's first property in Wales. 

The Prince and Princess had already spent three years living in Anglesey, north Wales, when William was stationed in the area as a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the RAF. The report from WalesOnline explains that the couple lived in the country between 2010 and 2013; however, since then, they have lived in Kensington Palace in London – and Adelaide Cottage (near Windsor Castle). 

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III automatically became the reigning monarch – meaning Prince William and Catherine (formally the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) gained the title of the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, who have control of the Duchy of Cornwall. 

As the owner of the Duchy of Cornwall, William has access to all forms of the Duchy Estate – including the Llwynywermod Estate.

The Duchy of Cornwall reportedly purchased the farmhouse for £1.2 million – a figure that includes the main house, along with three smaller cottages and a barn. Plus, despite its royal owner, some parts of the Llwynywermod Estate are used as vacation homes where you can become acquainted with traditional decorating ideas – from the slate-flagged kitchen to the oak shutters and cocooning built-in bookcases.  

WalesOnline report that King Charles and Camilla would often stay in the farmhouse around St David’s Day (the Feast of the patron saint of Wales) when the former Prince carried out official duties throughout Wales. Reports also suggest that Charles would attend church services on Sunday mornings and also opened the new village hall near Llwynywermod.

Notably, King also visited the estate in April 2021, following the death of his father, the Duke of Edinburgh. 

Beyond the farmhouse's interior, the royal couple and their children (and guests) can enjoy the proximity to mid-Wales and the Brecon Beacons – a mountain range in Wales. There is also a host of heritage sites, walking trails, and nature reserves close to the estate.

Llwynywermod Estate, Carmarthenshire, Wales, United Kingdom.

St James's Palace recently made headlines as the setting of the ceremony in which King Charles III was officially proclaimed Britain's new sovereign. On the day following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022, Charles visited the Palace in Westminster, London, where the world watched him become King. 

However, while St James's Palace may have re-entered the news in recent weeks, this estate has maintained centuries of significance. It is known as 'the most senior palace in the United Kingdom' – and one of the most potent royal residences in the country. 

The Tudor structure, completed in 1536, has housed a host of royals over the centuries – including Anne, Princess Royal, who currently uses it as her London base. 

Does anyone live in St James palace?

St. James' Palace is Princess Anne's official London residence, which she frequents when she is in the British capital for engagements. When she isn't in London, the Princess lives in Gatcombe Park, her country residence near the village of Minchinhampton in Gloucestershire, England. 

Like St. James' Palace, Gatcombe Park is one of the most regal estates in the United Kingdom (and one of the world's best homes) – spanning over 730 acres of the South Western countryside.  

Up until fall 2017, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie shared an apartment inside St. James' Palace. Little is known about the apartment's layout and decorating ideas – but it is believed that their apartment was four floors high and had four bedrooms. 

The State Apartments also host around 100 receptions each year. Most events are for charities associated with members of the senior Royal Family.

Did Henry VIII live at St. James's Palace?

Following its completion in 1536 (on the site of a leper hospital), St James's Palace became Henry VIII's favored residence during his marriage to Anne Boleyn. At this time, the Palace was secondary in importance (after the Palace of Whitehall) amongst many Tudor and Stuart monarchs.

In more recent history, (in 1941) the United Kingdom met with representatives from 13 other nations to sign the Declaration of St James's Palace. This was the first of six treaties that established the United Nations – and led to the composition of the Charter of the United Nations.

Today, St James's remains a working palace while acting as the London base for Princess Anne and Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy (a first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II).

Can the public visit St. James palace?

Officially, St James's Palace is not open to the public. However, you can visit the Chapel Royal and Queen's Chapel on particular Sundays of the year by attending a church service.

You can also visit other royal residences including Windsor Castle where the Prince and Princess of Wales will reside, and Kensington Palace – the former home of Princess Margaret and Diana, Princess of Wales. 

The death of Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 marked a significant shift in the British royal family. Her son, Charles III, became King of the United Kingdom –meaning his eldest son, William, ascended to the position of the Prince of Wales. 

The former Duke of Cambridge and his wife, Catherine (formally the Duchess of Cambridge, now the Princess of Wales), recently made headlines following their move to Adelaide Cottage in Berkshire – near Windsor Castle – the famous royal residence that belonged to the late Her Majesty. However, despite moving to the country, William and Catherine are expected to keep their most recent residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace.

Where is Kensington Palace?

Kensington Palace is located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. The estate is one of the grandest in the British capital and is one of the world's best homes – featuring 107 hectares of garden and a mansion with a rich royal history. 

What is Kensington Palace famous for?

The royal residence is best known as the official home of William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales. However, it has housed other notable royals since its completion by Sir George Coppin in 1605. Queen Victoria enjoyed the palace's regal decorating ideas at the start of her life (when she was Princess Alexandrina Victoria), and she was baptized in the Cupola Room (pictured above).

In recent history, Princess Margaret, the Countess of Snowdon (Queen Elizabeth II's sister), and her husband, the Earl of Snowdon, moved into Apartment 10 before undergoing a large renovation in the early 1960s.

The Prince of Wales (now King Charles III) and his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, also lived in Kensington Palace during their marriage. It remained Diana's official residence following their divorce until her death in 1997. There is a statue of Princess  Diana in the palace gardens. 

Prince William and Harry spent their childhood in the palace, which remains the official home of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Is Kensington Palace open to public?

Yes, the State Rooms are open to the public, but there are some offices and accommodation areas that remain private for the family.

The palace exhibits a host of paintings and other objects from the Royal Collection that are displayed to visitors. 

Beyond the State Rooms, Princess Catherine commissioned designer Ben Pentreath to decorate their apartment in 2017. The London-based designer, admired for quintessential yet playful home decor ideas, had already worked with Charles on the Duchy of Cornwall estate and the Royal Pavilion in Poundbury in Dorchester. His clientele also includes actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Liv Tyler. 

Who lives in Kensington Palace now?

The Prince and Princess of Wales will likely keep their apartment in Kensington Palace, despite moving to the Berkshire town of Windsor in southeast England.

You can visit Kensington Palace at Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. 

As anglophiles around the world mourn the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, you may be left wondering where does His Majesty The King and the rest of the royal family actually live? 

Unsurprisingly, their homes are some of the world's best homes, and many members of the firm have more than one palatial residence that they call home. 

11 royal homes – where do the Royal family live?

From lesser-known private houses to the most famous of Crown-owned castles, H&G takes a look at the top Royal residences around the UK, from Buckingham Palace to Balmoral, to Frogmore and Kensington Palace.

1. Buckingham Palace, London

Formally the home of Queen Elizabeth II during her reign, King Charles III and his Queen Consort will reside in private quarters at the famous 775-room Buckingham Palace in London. 

In the heart of the capital, Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British sovereign since 1837, and it the most notable of all the royal residences. Queen Victoria was the first monarch to settle in the 775-room palace. She introduced a large room which was, at the time of construction in 1853-5, the largest room in London.

The impressive 40-acre garden sets the scene for many summer garden parties and the palace itself is home to the private offices and apartments for other working royals.

2. Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire

Balmoral Castle was the Scottish home of the Queen Elizabeth II, and it is in this very home that she passed away on 8 September 2022. The private residence, originally purchased by Queen Victoria, reportedly sits on 50,000 acres with 150 total buildings.

The majestic architecture is typical of the Scottish Baronial period. Before her death, it was used as the private residence of the Queen and her family.

The home largely remains unchanged since the home was purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852. The castle sits on the 20,000-hectacre Balmoral estate in Royal Deeside.

3. Sandringham House, Norfolk 

The beautiful Sandringham House in Norfolk is the much-loved country retreat of the monarch. It has been the private home of British monarchs since 1862 and in that time it has seen the lives, and indeed deaths of many a royal family. 

At Christmastime, the Queen, and other members of the royal family famously headed to Sandringham estate in Norfolk, which Elizabeth inherited from her father, George VI. Locals can often see the family making their way to church on Christmas morning. It remains to be seen if this tradition will be carried out now she has passed.

4. Windsor Castle, Berkshire

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. This spectacular home has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years.

The castle was established by William the Conqueror who began building at Windsor around 1070. It took 16 years to complete. 

The Queen spent most of her private weekends at Windsor Castle and would take up official residence for a month in the spring for Easter Court, and for a week each June, when she attended Royal Ascot and the service of the Order of the Garter. We expect the King to do the same. 

5. Clarence House, London

Clarence House, which stands beside St James's Palace, was built between 1825 and 1827 to the designs of John Nash for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence, and his wife Adelaide. Before HM The King's accession, Clarence House was the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (titles now bestowed on the former Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), and was the location for many state visits.

The arrangement of the rooms remain recognizably as they were in Queen Elizabeth's time, with much of Her Majesty's collection of works of art and furniture in their former positions. The stucco-fronted abode was formerly the London home of the Queen Mother until her death in 2002. 

6. St James’s Palace, London

Built by Henry VIII in Westminster between 1531 and 1536, St. James's Palace has been the setting for some of the most important events in Royal history, having been a residence of Kings and Queens for over 300 years until the reign of Queen Victoria. 

The Chapel Royal saw the marriages of George III and Queen Charlotte; Victoria and Albert; and George V and Queen Mary. The last sovereign to live in the Palace was William IV until his death in 1837. 

Family occasions have also been held at t James's Palace over the years, most recently the christening of Prince George in 2013.

7. Kensington Palace, London

The glorious Kensington Palace was bought in its former incarnation as Nottingham House by William III in 1689. The Jacobean mansion was later extended and improved by Sir Christopher Wren. Royal residents have occupied the palace since King William III and his wife Queen Mary II.

Today, Kensington Palace Apartment 1A is the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Cornwall (soon to be the Prince and Princess of Wales) and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The State Rooms are open to the public and managed by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, a non-profit organization that does not receive public funds.

8. Frogmore Cottage, Windsor 

Not to be confused with Frogmore House, Frogmore Cottage is an exceptional Grade II listed royal retreat, located on the grounds of Windsor Castle. It was originally constructed between 1680 and 1684 and was a great favorite of the royals, especially Queen Victoria who admired the peace and tranquillity. For almost 20 years, Frogmore was the home of Queen Victoria's mother, The Duchess of Kent.

Today, the house is still owned by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who used £2.4m of taxpayer money to renovate the property, before paying it back in full in early 2020 when they moved to California.

9. Highgrove House, Gloucestershire

Highgrove House, the picturesque property in the idyllic Gloucestershire countryside, was the family residence of the King and Queen Consort before their imminent move to Buckingham Palace. 

The royal couple call Highgrove House their second home. The King has owned this house since 1980, and he previously spent weekends there with his first wife, the late Princess Diana, and their children, Princes William and Harry. 

The King indulges his love for gardening, and ensures his concern for the environment is apparent in the management of the property by using energy-saving solar garden lighting and energy-efficient bulbs, as as composting any kitchen waste.

As it is a private residence, Highgrove House itself is closed to the public. However, its extensive Royal Gardens are open for tours, including garden tours, champagne and afternoon tea.

10. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace or Holyroodhouse, was the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II in Scotland.

The magnificent home has had an eventful history with members of royalty both living and staying intermittently. Interestingly, the palace was home to Mary Queen of Scots for most of her life.

Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably The Queen's ‘Holyrood Week’, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July. Each year, The Queen has been known to entertain around 8,000 guests from all walks of Scottish life during Holyrood week.

11. Osborne House, Isle of Wight

While Osborne House is no longer occupied by the Royal family, this glorious seaside home, located in East Cowes, Isle of Wight, was once Queen Victoria's family home. The house was built between 1845 and 1851 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a summer home and rural retreat. 

It is noted that Prince Albert designed the house himself in 1847, alongside architect and builder Thomas Cubitt, in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo.  Here, the royal couple  lived with their nine children overlooking the Solent and their private beach.

Known as Swiss Cottage, the house is open to the public for viewings.

From castles and palaces to country manors, the UK has plenty of famous homes that people love to visit and photograph. But which are the most popular stately homes in Britain?

To find out Britain’s best-loved homes, comparethemarket.com analysed Instagram hashtag data to reveal which buildings were photographed the most.

See:These are the most popular interior design trends in the UK

Chris King, head of home insurance at comparethemarket.com, commented: 'Great Britain is home to some of the world’s most stunning stately homes and castles, and a visit to one of these beautiful, historic homes makes for a great day out.

'With lockdown easing here in the UK and guidelines on travelling abroad changing regularly, more people are opting for days out and ‘staycations’. Walking around the grounds of a stately manor is a great way to get outside and explore somewhere new, all while being able to distance yourself from big crowds. Just remember to check whether you need to book before you turn up, so you aren’t disappointed.

'There’s so much history to delve into when visiting a castle or stately home, with centuries of royal figures having lived in these buildings. Our research shows that people are appreciating the beauty of these homes, as well as the stories behind them, with thousands of people taking to Instagram to share their best pictures from their visits.'

1. BUCKINGHAM PALACE

As the official London residence of the Queen, the palace is possibly the most famous home in the UK, attracting millions of visitors every year. Built: 1703.

2. TOWER OF LONDON

Famous for hosting notable prisoners such as Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes, the Princes in the Tower, and even the Kray twins. Built: 1078

3. KENSINGTON PALACE

As a royal residence, the palace has been home to many well-known royals, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate, who live there currently. Built: 1605

See: The most popular interiors on Homes & Gardens Instagram

4. WINDSOR CASTLE

The castle served as a refuge for the royal family during WWII when much of London was targeted in bombing campaigns. Today, it is often used by Elizabeth II as a weekend home. Built: 1070

5. HAMPTON COURT PALACE

First serving as a home for Henry VIII, it is now known for its gardens and grounds, which feature a maze as well as being home to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Built: 1515

6. BLENHEIM PALACE

This palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, is best known for being the birthplace and home of former Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Built: 1705

See:The 10 best National Trust gardens for a picture-perfect day trip

7. WARWICK CASTLE

Originally built as a wooden fort by William the Conqueror, the castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. Built: 1068

8. CHATSWORTH HOUSE

The stately home in Bakewell, Derbyshire, has featured in a number of films and TV shows, including Pride & Prejudice, The Crown, and Peaky Blinders. Built: 1687

9. ST MICHAEL'S MOUNT

The castle sits on a tidal island off the coast of Cornwall called Mount's Bay, which is cut off from the mainland during high tide. Built: 12th century.

See:This is the UK's most Instagrammed National Trust house

10. LEEDS CASTLE

The castle served as a home for Catherine of Aragon, before acting as a prison and an arsenal during the English Civil War. Built: 1119