Adventure #4, continued

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Previously, we've looked at the historical figures who have shaped Kensington Palace as a Royal place of importance.  Today, it is more than that.  On permanent exhibit here are examples of Court Dress, the formal attire worn by young ladies and their escorts being presented at Court (similar to a very high class debutante "season" in the U.S.).  Such attire was prescribed in great detail, from the Prince of Wales feathers in the headdress to the length of the train extending back from the dress.  Gentleman's attire was no less ritualized.  Examples of both are displayed in settings reminiscent of actual preparations for "the" important evening. 

Alas, or maybe not, being presented at Court is no longer a highlight of The Season in London.  Gradually, the evening soirees gave way to afternoon gatherings and were then discontinued altogether.  But whatever magic happened with a Court Presentation remains, at least in our imaginations, in the exhibit at Kensington Palace.

Other costume exhibitions appear at Kensington Palace for a limited time.  This year (2002), there is an exhibit of Royal wedding dresses, including Queen Victoria's.  An exhibit of some of Queen Elizabeth II's dresses is also on show, as is an exhibit of some of the dresses worn by Diana, Princess of Wales. 

Did you know?  Though the Royal residents are dwindling in number, especially with the recent death of HRH Princess Margaret, Kensington Palace is still home to the Dowager Duchess of Gloucester (age 100+) and to Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Diana, Princess of Wales lived here during her marriage and after her divorce.  Her body was brought to Kensington Palace the day before her funeral and "rested" here overnight before beginning the journey by horse-drawn cortege to Westminster Abbey the following morning.

Tube:  Queensway (Central Line) or Bayswater will let you off very close to the north end of the Broad Walk. 

Admission: Adults £10.00, Seniors (60+) £7.50, Youth (5-16) £6.50, Children (under 5) free.

In the surrounding area:  See Adventure #3 for some of the highlights of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.  From the southwest corner of the park, you’re not terribly far from Kensington High Street and the Ehrman shop. From the southeast corner of the park, you can visit Apsley House (home to the Duke of Wellington and now a museum) or the Hard Rock Café.

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