Kensington Palace Renovations Include A Panic Room

Kensington Palace’s 18-month renovation is now complete. The apartment, which was previously occupied by Princess Margaret, now includes a panic room, encrypted WiFi, and central air. Calling the living space an apartment is an understatement: Apartment 1A contains a total of 20 rooms.

The rooms include his and hers bathrooms, three kitchens, two nurseries, and a panic room. One of the nurseries will become a playroom when Prince George is older.

Kate Middleton spent the last 18 months adding her own personal touches to the sprawling apartment. As reported by US Magazine, she chose primarily neutral tones, which are accented with antiques from the Royal Collection. Middleton hired her mother’s designer, Anne Allen, to help with the details.

The entrance hall includes two 19th century Corinthian lamps and a Persian rug worth close to $50,000. In addition to the valuable antiques, Middleton purchased numerous accent items from the Peter Jones department store.

The Kensington Palace apartment now includes two faux-fur throws priced at $129 each. Although there was no set budget, Middleton remained mindful of the renovation costs.

As reported by Entertainment Wise, the $1.6 million renovation included the removal of asbestos. The asbestos reportedly caused a “major upheaval,” during the overhaul.

The completed apartment will make a fabulous home for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son Prince George.

Kensington Palace was built in 1605. The original building, the Nottingham House, was owned by Daniel Finch, Earl of Nottingham. William III and Mary II purchased the home in 1689 for around $32,000. The royal court moved into the home just in time to celebrate Christmas.

As reported by Historic Royal Palaces, the original Jacobean mansion remained intact. William and Mary simply improved and added on to the original home. The home has undergone numerous renovations and additions in the last 315 years. However, Kensington Palace still houses the royal family.

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