This stunning 21-room apartment is one of Kensington Palace’s jewels, and has been renovated to the tune of multi-millions.
But more than three years after the scaffolding came down, Apartment 1 remains empty – causing speculation that there is disinterest in the building and that the whole Palace could even be ‘decommissioned’ by Prince Charles when he becomes King.
The apartment had been earmarked for Harry and Meghan to live alongside William and Kate, who moved into Apartment 1A in 2017 after a separate £12 million refurbishment.
However, with the Sussexes not likely to return to California and the Cambridges apparently having long-term plans of moving to Windsor, it is unclear what the future holds for the building as Royal residence.
Some speculate that Prince Charles could decide to ‘decommission’ Kensington Palace if he is crowned.
Three years on, Apartment 1’s 21-room glory remains unoccupied. It had been earmarked for Harry and Meghan to live alongside William and Kate, who moved into Apartment 1A in 2017 after a separate £12 million refurbishment
As well as housing William’s family, the warren of apartments, cottages and mews houses contains the offices and homes of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent – all in their mid- to late 70s – and the Duke and Duchess of Kent, 86 and 88 respectively.
There are approximately 50 Royal and ex-Royal staff members who also reside there.
A source said: ‘Charles is always talking about a slimmed-down monarchy. They could rent the remaining land on long-term leases, and make some money. They could even flog it to a Saudi!’
Unkindly dubbed ‘The Aunt Heap’ by the Duke of Windsor, Kensington Palace has been home to Royal Family members for more than 300 years, including Princess Diana. It has an estimated value of £620 million.
This palace is also home to Prince and Princess Michael from Kent.
As well as housing William’s family, the warren of apartments, cottages and mews houses contains the offices and homes of the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
Another source says: ‘Apartment 1 is in great condition and Charles would be wise to make a show of getting a market rate for it. If the Cambridges relocate, it seems likely the few remaining Royals will be obliged to move on.’
The Kents recently started paying £120,000 a year rent after it was reported that the Queen had charged them just £69 a month for their grand Apartment 10.
Historian Christopher Warwick said: ‘Whispers that Kensington Palace’s days as an official residence are numbered are a pointer to how many changes we are going to see when Charles becomes King. He would be wise to rent it out and hold it in reserve should he need to accommodate any Royals down the line.’
The rest of Kensington Palace is full according to an aide, who adds that work is ‘ongoing’.
Heidi Klum was right about supermodels being stylish.
Following my story last week about catwalk queens Cindy Crawford and Jourdan Dunn displaying questionable tastes in fashion, I’m afraid that Heidi, 48, pictured right, has followed their lead by posing in yellow tie-dye joggers and matching Crocs.
Fashion house Vogue may be prepared to let Heidi’s faux pas pass. After all, she also wears a lilac sweatshirt from its Italian collection – yours for just £117.
Although my lips are sealed…
What famous actress comes from a wealthy background and is trying to hide a secret family member? She is the daughter of an affluent criminal father who has just served time. You’d never know it from the actress’s angelic face…