Inside Princess Diana's apartment at Kensington Palace

The late Princess of Wales lived in apartment 8 at Kensington Palace

01 Aug 2017, 16:44 BST

Chloe BestLifestyle Features Editor

Diana, Princess of Wales called Kensington Palace her home from her wedding day in 1981 until her untimely death in 1997, and during that time she developed an inimitable connection to the royal residence. Apartment 8 was where Princes William and Harry both spent much of their childhood, and so great was Diana's love of the apartment that she decided to stay there following her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996.

The Princess moved into the apartment as a newlywed and soon put her own stamp on the property, turning it into a family home that often served as the backdrop for photos alongside Prince Charles and their two young sons. With family photos, fresh flowers and personal touches scattered around the apartment, it's easy to see why both William and Harry have such fond memories of their childhood home, and why they have now decided to convert into offices that they use for various charity projects and engagements. Click through the gallery to see inside the apartment, then and now…

1 Princess Diana Prince William Kensington Palace Tim Graham

Prince Charles and Diana were living in Apartment 8 at Kensington Palace when they welcomed sons Prince William in 1982 and Prince Harry in 1984. As such it often served as the backdrop for official portraits, giving fans an unprecedented glimpse inside the royal residence. As seen here in 1983, the living room had a colourful décor, with pink and blue patterned wallpaper and pink sofas. A mahogany chest topped with framed family photos can be seen in the background.

2 Princess Diana Prince Charles William Tim Graham

The royals added character to their home by displaying family photos and artwork on the walls, with fresh flowers to add more colour to the room. Princess Diana often used this sitting room to do work, and it has since been renovated for the same purpose by her sons William (pictured) and Harry.

Diana used to work at a desk in the sitting room which was topped with flowers and surrounded by personal keepsakes including her school tuckbox. Both the desk and tuck box are currently on display as part of a special tribute to the late Princess during the Summer Opening of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace.

3 Princess Diana Prince Charles 1983 Tim Graham

Diana, Princess of Wales' apartment was colourful yet opulent with antique furniture, a floral rug and painted lamps all injecting personality into the home. However it is impossible to escape the history that surrounds the palace, with framed royal portraits on display in many of the rooms.

The young royals would have had the opportunity to hone their music skills on the piano at their home, which was topped with numerous family portraits including photos of their father Prince Charles and great-grandmother. The room was decorated in a bold yellow hue, with a floral patterned lamp serving as another focal piece.

Princess Diana's apartment at Kensington Palace could have been mistaken for any other family home, with children's artwork proudly on display on the doors, and many toys and games scattered around the property for Princes William and Harry. The mum-of-two doted on her children, with Prince Harry recently describing Diana as the "best mum in the world" in the ITV documentary, Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy.

Apartment 8 is now used by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry for their work projects. The property was renovated for the purpose, and was converted into a newsroom for the day when Kate acted as a guest editor for the Huffington Post in February 2016. The walls are now decorated in a muted neutral colour with cream carpet and a large decorative rug. There are still traditional paintings and artwork hanging on the walls, while two wooden dressers can be seen in the background.

Don't miss HELLO!'s ultimate souvenir edition celebrating the Queen of Hearts, on sale now. The issue contains 148 pages of beautiful images and revealing interviews with those who knew Diana best. Her fashion, her inspirational humanitarian missions and love for the sons who now carry her flame forward – it's all there in this unmissable HELLO! special.