The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official London residence, Kensington Palace, was temporarily closed on Sunday due to hazardous weather conditions brought by Storm Bert.
In an announcement shared on social media, a closure notice stated: “Due to Storm Bert, there are a number of closures across our sites on Sunday, 24 November.
“Kensington Palace is closed today—please see our website for more on the gardens at Hampton Court Palace and Hillsborough Castle.”
A warning sign at the palace gates reinforced the message, reading: “Park closed. Hazardous conditions — do not enter.”
The storm wreaked havoc across large parts of the United Kingdom over the weekend, unleashing powerful winds, torrential rain, and snowfall. Flood warnings remain active in England, Scotland, and Wales, with authorities urging caution in affected areas.
While Prince William and Princess Kate primarily reside at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, Kensington Palace remains their official London home. The palace holds historical significance for the couple, who previously lived there with their children in the luxurious Apartment 1A.
The grand apartment boasts five reception rooms, three primary bedrooms, dressing rooms, and nurseries, alongside staff accommodations. Despite stepping back from living there full-time, the property remains a cornerstone of their royal duties.
The palace was recently described in vivid detail by Prince Harry in his memoir *Spare*. Reflecting on a visit he and Meghan Markle made to Kensington Palace in June 2018, he wrote:
“Willy and Kate invited us over for tea. To clear the air. We walked over one late afternoon. I saw Meg’s eyes widen as we entered their front door, walked past their front sitting room, down their hallway, into their study. ‘Wow,’ Meg said several times. The wallpaper, the crown moulding, the walnut bookshelves lined with color-coordinated volumes, the priceless art. Gorgeous. Like a museum.”
Harry humorously contrasted their lavish surroundings with his and Meghan’s own modest furnishings, noting: “We complimented them lavishly on their renovation, though we also thought sheepishly of our IKEA lamps, our discount sofa recently bought on sale with Meg’s credit card, from sofa.com.”
As the storm’s aftermath continues to impact the region, Kensington Palace’s closure underscores the severe weather conditions gripping the UK. Updates on re-openings and safety measures are expected in the coming days.
