Kensington Palace To Reopen To Public After $18.8 Million Restoration

The Cupola Room, Kensington Palace

Queen Elizabeth II officially reopened Kensington Palace in London, the former home of Diana Spencer, Princess of Wales, after an extensive $18.8 million in renovations were made on the King and Queen’s state apartments, the creation of a display of dresses worn by Diana and an exhibition charting the life of Queen Victoria.

Kensington Palace is due to open to the public March 26. Other new displays include a loggia created to celebrate the queen’s Diamond Jubilee at the entrance and wallpaper inspired by images of Princess Diana created by artist Juile Verhoeven.

The restoration project was timed to be completed in time for the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Summer Olympics held this year in London.

An evening dress worn by Diana on an official visit to Thailand in 1988
The dress Queen Victoria wore on her wedding day to Prince Albert in 1840

Source: Time

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