Originally a private country house, the building was acquired by William III and Mary II in 1689 and was adapted for royal residence by Sir Christopher Wren.
Today, Kensington continues its long history as a residence for members of the Royal Family. Princesses still live around Princesses' Court.
The best known resident in recent years was Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-97) who occupied apartments in the north-west part of the palace from 1981 to 1997. Although her private apartments are not open to the public, the palace displays a selection of her dresses in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.