The Orangery
Capacity
Dinner: 150
Reception: 300 (with marquee: 600)
Built for Queen Anne in 1704-5 to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor, the Orangery was used in the summer months for court entertainments. Situated within its own private grounds in the heart of Kensington Gardens, the Orangery combines the privilege of access to a royal palace with a serene rural ambience in the centre of the capital. The graceful interior of the building with its imposing yet elegant architecture lends itself to formal dinners. With a capacity of 150 guests, the Orangery provides an enjoyable and memorable venue for summer dining.
Clients can combine an event in the Orangery with a reception in another part of the palace, including the formal gardens or the ground floor of the palace, with a private view of the State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
The Red Saloon
Capacity
Dinner: 80
Reception: 100
Step back into the 19th century in the Red Saloon, decorated to give an impression of its appearance when it was occupied by the Duchess of Kent and Princess Victoria. It was in this room that the young Queen Victoria held her first Privy Council on 20 June 1837 - the day of her accession to the throne.
The rich detail and opulent design of the Red Saloon combine to create an ambience appropriate to a royal palace steeped in history and provide a unique backdrop for dinners or receptions.
The use of the Red Saloon may be combined with a private view of the State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and in summer months with receptions in the elegant Sunken Garden.
The Teck Saloon
Capacity
Dinner: 50
Reception: 75
The Teck Saloon occupies part of the site of Nottingham House, purchased by William III and Mary II in 1689. These rooms were rebuilt for George I in the 1720s and later re-modelled by James Wyatt to provide accommodation for the Duke and Duchess of Kent and the young Princess Victoria. The apartment was later occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Teck and their daughter, Princess Mary, who became Queen Mary in 1910.
The Teck Saloon is currently decorated in the style of a royal apartment of the 1860s. This exquisite design and decoration lends itself to intimate dinners and may be combined with a private view of the State Apartments and Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
The North Drawing Room
Capacity
Dinner: 50
Reception: 70
Presentation (theatre style): 60
The North Drawing Room formed part of the apartment used by the Duke of Kent in the early years of the 19th century. It is one of the most historically important rooms in the palace due to a significant event that took place in 1819. It was here that the Duchess of Kent gave birth to a daughter, Alexandrina Victoria later to become Queen Victoria.
The room has recently been restored to reflect its appearance in the early 19th century, creating a unique historic atmosphere for your function. The North Drawing Room is available for an intimate dinner, reception or presentation.
The State Apartments
Guests can enjoy an exclusive view of the splendours of the State Apartments at Kensington Palace, first opened to the public on Queen Victoria's 80th birthday, 24 May 1899. With rooms ranging from elegant grandeur to secluded intimacy, a private view of these apartments offers an insight into the history and intrigue of life at the palace from 1689 to the early 19th century.
Notable among the King's Apartments is the lavishly decorated Cupola Room, the principal state room of the palace, decorated by William Kent in 1722. It was in this room that Princess Victoria (later Queen Victoria) was christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1819. Close by is the recently restored King's Gallery built for William III in 1695 to display the finest pictures in the Royal Collection. Today the room is hung with masterpieces selected for George I, including works by Bassano and Tintoretto.
In contrast to the grandeur of the King's Apartments, the Queen's Apartments present a more intimate, private aspect of royal life at Kensington Palace with a series of small rooms used by Queen Mary II, including her dining room, bedchamber and closet.
The magnificent new display of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, entitled 'Dressing for Royalty', brings to life a stunning and unique collection of royal, ceremonial and court dress dating from the 18th to the late 20th century. The display includes dresses owned and worn by HM The Queen and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Guests can also discover what presentation at court meant for a young debutante in the early 20th century. With the last debutante daytime presentation occurring in 1958, the display celebrates a lost era of grand court occasions.
Guests are invited to experience the excitement of getting dressed for court and enjoy a private tour of this collection in conjunction with their reception or dinner at the palace.
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