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Originally a private residence owned by Sir George
Coppin and later sold to the Earl of Nottingham, Kensington Palace was
bought by William III in 1689 for £20,000.
The building was much improved by Sir Christopher Wren
with the addition of the pavilions on each of its four corners, the
Great Court, Stone Gallery and the clock tower.
One of the palaces most significant moments in history
was the birth of Queen Victoria in 1819 who lived there until her
ascension to the throne in 1837. Kensington Palace was not opened to
the public until 1897 after undergoing major repairs.
One of its best known and loved residents in more recent
years was Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) who occupied apartments
in the Palace up until 1997.
Today these apartments are occupied by a number of
members of the Royal Family.
Kensington Palace is home to the Royal Ceremonial Dress
Collection with items dating back to the 18th century.
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