Kensington Palace restoration work takes apartments back to Georgian glory days

State apartments at Kensington Palace have been restored to the glory of their heyday to provide a glittering backdrop for new displays on George II and his wife, Queen Caroline.

The Presence and Privy Chambers have been returned to the elaborate schemes created by designer William Kent in the early 18th century before decades of alterations.

Bright white panelling and gilding in the Presence Chamber and silk wall hangings and ceiling painting in the Privy Chamber have been restored.

The State Apartments will host a display exploring the decade from 1727, when George II ascended the throne. Despite his notoriety for a string of mistresses and his short temper, the couple were the toast of London and hosted dazzling parties until the death of the highly-educated Caroline in 1737 from major internal complications.

She is the focus of new displays which will include her correspondence with some of the great thinkers of the day.

Visitors will also be invited to view the queen, played by an actress, getting dressed each day. The silver “Rockingham mantua” dress, an example of the Georgian trend for ultra-wide frocks, will be on show alongside “dress hoop” supportive underwear. Curator Deirdre Murphy said: “This year at Kensington, we’re delighted to be able to introduce our visitors to Queen Caroline, one of the cleverest and funniest queens Britain has ever had. The newly-restored King’s State Apartments will provide a spectacular setting for visitors to experience life at the lively court she cultivated in the 1730s. From the gambling and dancing, to the gossip and scandal, we’ll explain why this glittering court ushered in a new era of celebrity in 18th-century London.”

Handel will provide a soundtrack to visits and a scratch-and-sniff “map” will recreate scents including the resin used by court musicians and the tobacco smoked as courtiers gambled.

Glorious Georges is included as part of the regular entry price of £16.50 for adults at Kensington Palace. Under-16s go free.