Prince William and Kate Middleton to Have Permanent Home at Kensington Palace
Kate Said Princess Diana's Old Apartment Would be 'Too Creepy'
Prince William and Kate Middleton are to move into a new family home in Kensington Palace. The royal couple will use the former apartment of Queen Elizabeth’s sister Princess Margaret as their permanent residence in London, according to a royal source.
But they will have to wait two years for major renovations to take place before they move in. The accommodation has not been lived in since the death of Princess Margaret in 2002.
Currently, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are living in a smaller two-bedroom property in the palace in the grounds of Kensington Palace. The pair has been looking for a permanent London base since they announced their engagement in 2010.
Initially, William had proposed to live at Apartment 8, which is the late Princess Diana’s old home. Prince William and Harry have lived there from the time of their birth until 1998. But according to the Daily Mail, a royal source said: “They did look around Diana’s home where William grew up, but they both felt there were too many memories there. Kate thought it would be too creepy.”
“William and Kate are looking forward to planning their new home,” said a royal source, according to Mirror. “They will be heavily involved in the design and the choice of furnishings.”
“There is a lot of structural work needed before it is habitable. There is no hot water and it will need new wiring and piping. The electrics haven’t been changed for 50 years.”
The historic palace was remodeled by renowned architect Christopher Wren. It has been a royal residence since 1689.
