Kew Palace Overview

Kew Palace was built as a private house in 1631 and used by the royal family between 1729 and 1818. In happier times, George III, Queen Charlotte and their fifteen children enjoyed a relatively simple domestic routine at Kew. In later years the atmosphere darkened as family rivalries became more intense and relationships soured. Kew became a retreat for the ailing king and a virtual prison for his elder unmarried daughters.

Step into this tiny doll’s house of a palace and sense the joys and sorrows of past royal lives in close proximity, as King George III and his family are brought to life through reminiscences and fascinating personal artefacts.

The palace was closed for 10 years for extensive restoration work and was re-opened in April 2006 for HM The Queen’s 80th Birthday dinner. The Georgian rooms have been beautifully and authentically re-created.

Kew Palace is open between April and September each year and provides an intimate setting for small evening events.