Kensington Palace, the London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, was closed on Sunday due to the impact of Storm Bert. A notice shared on Twitter announced:
“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 sign placed on the palace’s gates further warned visitors, stating: “Park closed. Hazardous conditions – do not enter.”
The storm caused widespread disruption across the UK, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and snow to various regions. Flood warnings remain in effect for parts of England, Scotland, and Wales.
While Kensington Palace is Prince William and Princess Kate’s official London residence, the royal couple primarily live at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. Previously, the family resided at Kensington Palace’s Apartment 1A, a luxurious home featuring five reception rooms, three main bedrooms, dressing rooms, nurseries, and staff quarters.
Though the royals maintain privacy regarding their homes, Prince Harry described Apartment 1A in his memoir, Spare, recounting a visit with Meghan Markle in June 2018:
“Willy and Kate invited us over for tea. I saw Meg’s eyes widen as we entered… The wallpaper, the crown moulding, the walnut bookshelves lined with color-coordinated volumes, the priceless art. Gorgeous. Like a museum. We complimented them lavishly on their renovation, though we also thought sheepishly of our IKEA lamps and discount sofa.”
The Waleses relocated to Windsor in 2022, settling into Adelaide Cottage, a Grade-II listed residence on Windsor Great Park’s 655 acres. Originally built in 1831 for Queen Adelaide, the cottage was last renovated in 2015 and features French windows, fireplaces, a covered veranda, and a candy-pink exterior.
Historically, the property also housed Group Captain Peter Townsend, equerry to King George VI and a companion to Princess Margaret, before his departure from royal service.
