It has been announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will move into the Kensington Palace apartment once inhabited by Princess Margaret. The relocation would allow Prince Harry to take over the couple's current two-bedroom flat in the same building. The plan would see the Princes returned to the happy place where they grew up.
Once again Kensington Palace, or KP, as is known, will be buzzing with life, playing host to the young royals' official duties and active private lives. Kate and William's future apartment will undergo refurbishment before they move in, in mid-to-late 2013. Early indications suggest that large quantities of asbestos will have to be removed, as well as upgrades to heating, electrical wiring and hot-water systems. Since Princess Margaret’s death in 2002, the six-bedroom flat has been managed by the charity Historic Royal Palaces and has been used as offices and for storage. The news that the young royals are moving into a much bigger home will inevitably add fuel to speculation they are considering starting a family in the near future.
Apartment 1A will be William and Kate’s permanent London home. It is on the right-hand side of the warren-like building, which has earnt the nickname “Aunt heap” within the royal family, as so many elderly relations used to live there.Apartment 1A is almost next door to apartments 8 and 9, where, as children, William and Harry once lived with their mother. The palace’s lush greenery would be the ideal place for William and Kate to bring up their own children. For more details about their move and their new home pick up a copy of this weeks HELLO!, issue 1200, on sale now.