If you love learning about the British monarchy and keeping up with the royal family, you're in for a treat. Today, we’re unpacking a heartwarming twist involving the Prince and Princess of Wales and their cherished connection to Kensington Palace—a place that’s about to undergo a major transformation.
For the Wales family, Kensington Palace has always held a special place in their hearts. Apartment 1A, their London residence since 2013, served as their primary home before they relocated to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor in August 2022 to be closer to their children’s school. However, the 20-room, four-story apartment remains their London base, and now, the area is set for a significant change.
A major overhaul has been announced for the **Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground**, located near the family’s apartment. This playground, established in loving memory of Prince William’s late mother, has been a cherished spot for the royal family. Princess Catherine, in particular, has been known to bring her children to the play park. Back in 2014, she was spotted enjoying a short outing there with baby Prince George. According to an insider at the time, “It was lovely seeing them play together in the sand. Catherine seemed oblivious to anyone except her gorgeous baby enjoying himself.”
Since its opening in 2000, the playground has welcomed more than 1 million children. However, after 25 years, it’s due for an upgrade. Proposed plans include exciting features like:
- A **wheelchair-friendly sailing ship**
- A **multi-level treehouse**
- An improved **mermaid foundation**
The revamp is expected to cost approximately £3 million and will take six months to complete, with closures planned between autumn 2025 and spring 2026.
While Kensington Palace remains their official London base, the family now spends most of their time at Adelaide Cottage. Unlike their lavish London apartment, their Windsor residence offers a more modest and cozy lifestyle closer to their children’s school and outdoor activities.
Despite their fame, the Prince and Princess of Wales enjoy ordinary activities like many of us. For instance, Prince William recently revealed that he and Catherine are currently watching **"Black Doves"** on Netflix. It’s always a treat for fans when the couple shares glimpses of their personal lives, as it makes them more relatable.
The past year, 2024, was a particularly difficult one for the family. Princess Catherine underwent a tough battle with cancer, undergoing abdominal surgery early in the year and taking most of the year off to recover. Prince William shouldered the bulk of royal engagements during this time while also caring for his wife and their three children. He later described the year as “brutal.”
By the end of 2024, Catherine was declared cancer-free—a massive relief for the family. Their public reappearance together at the **King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour)** in June marked a triumphant moment, especially after such a difficult year.
Now in 2025, the Princess of Wales is returning to public life, alongside her husband, with renewed vigor. The family is focused on balancing royal duties with quality time together. The upcoming changes to the Diana Memorial Playground symbolize a continuation of the legacy and values that Princess Diana stood for—family, joy, and inclusivity.
