Kew Palace

Kew Palace is the smallest and most intimate of England's royal palaces, nestled within the celebrated grounds of Kew Gardens on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond, Surrey. Originally constructed around 1631 as a brick townhouse by Samuel Fortrey, a merchant of Dutch origin, the property became a royal residence when King George II and Queen Caroline sought a private retreat from court pressures in the early 18th century. Known as the Dutch House for its architectural style, the four-storey mansion served successive Georgian monarchs as a weekend sanctuary and gained particular poignancy as a refuge for the ailing King George III, whose private apartments were specially designed for comfort during his illness. The palace remained in royal occupation from approximately 1728 to 1818, with a final brief residence in 1844. Visitors can access Kew Palace with paid admission to Kew Gardens, experiencing this compact royal jewel within its historic riverside setting.