The Prince and Princess of Wales have largely left city life behind in favour of raising their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, in the Windsor countryside.
But before relocating to be closer to the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Prince William and Princess Kate called Kensington Palace home. Apartment 1A was given to the couple following their 2011 royal wedding, but it belonged to another member of the royal family in the past.
Shortly after she wed Antony Armstrong-Jones, Princess Margaret moved into the apartment, which is largely a misnomer, given that the spacious abode features 20 rooms spread over four storeys. In April 1960, photos of Margaret's new home were released, and it looks more intimate than the rare glimpses we've had during William and Kate's residency.
One black and white photo was taken inside an archway, facing onto the home's courtyard. Flowerbeds broke up the flagstones, while white sash windows overlooked the area.
Intricate black iron gates added security to the building, which had steps leading to the lower-ground and ground floors.
© Getty Images
© Getty ImagesMargaret's 'unroyal' homes
Rare photos show blue walls and floor-to-ceiling white bookshelves decorated the regal interiors, while the entrance reportedly features large black and white flagstones and cornicing. This suited her tastes more than her husband's country home, Old House in West Sussex.
© GettyCurrent owner Amanda Walsh, who is selling the property, told The Wall Street Journal: "Princess Margaret was very ‘royal’ and loved the pomp and ceremony of living at Kensington Palace rather than the understated charm of the Old House."
She had also famously referred to her temporary five-bedroom home, Apartment 10 at Kensington Palace, as a "doll's house," where she lived before moving into her renovated Apartment 1A.
Kate and William's renovations
© Getty ImagesQueen Elizabeth's sister called the palace home from 1963 to 2002 when she died. Years later, the grace-and-favour home was handed to Kate and William, who had been living at the modest Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace.
It offered a lot more space for their growing family, with five reception rooms, three bedrooms with dressing rooms and en-suite bathrooms, day and night nurseries, and nine staff bedrooms. With almost 50 years since its last renovation, the apartment required updates to its plumbing and electrics, as well as its interior design.
Following the transformation, fans have seen glimpses of the home for official visits, including when Kate and William hosted former US President Barack Obama in 2016. Prince George played on a rocking horse positioned in the window, framed by large cream curtains that matched the neutral and gold aesthetic.
They continue to use their Kensington home as their official London base when they are in the city for royal engagements.
