Princess Diana's Post-Divorce Residence: Kensington Palace vs. Clarence House

Following her controversial divorce from Prince Charles in 1996, Princess Diana's living situation underwent significant changes. This article explores her choice of residence and the impact of this decision on her subsequent life.

Diana's Continued Residence at Kensington Palace

After the divorce, Princess Diana surprisingly chose to continue living in Kensington Palace, the same residence where she and Prince Charles had lived during their marriage. This decision reflected her initial desire to remain in London and manage her two sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Despite the emotional and financial pressures, Diana stayed in Kensington Palace during the transition period, using it as a base from which she could continue her philanthropic work. The Crown Estates likely covered the rent for her apartment, a common practice in royal families where financial support is provided during adjustments.

Efforts to Assist with Landmine Removal and Other Causes

During her stay at Kensington Palace, Diana's focus shifted towards humanitarian work. She stayed at the home of James Hewitt for a couple of weeks before embarking on a tour of the European continent to raise awareness about the issue of landmines. Diana's role as an ambassador to the worldwide campaign to abolish landmines in public areas, as well as her support for AIDS research and leprosy research, were crucial during this period.

The Move to Clarence House

Ultimately, Charles moved to Clarence House, a queen's residence, where his mother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, also lived. Charles and Queen Camilla now occupy this property. While Diana initially did not move into Buckingham Palace, which remains a royal residence, she continued to maintain offices there for work purposes.

Charles and Diana also established a precedent that future royal members could choose their own living arrangements post-divorce, moving beyond the traditional expectation of maintaining a presence in royal residences.

The Impact and Aftermath

While Diana's choice to stay at Kensington Palace provided a sense of familiarity and stability for her sons, it also highlighted the complexity of her predicament. Her presence in such a significant royal residence could be seen as controversial, given her divorce and the intense public scrutiny she faced.

Ultimately, Diana's determination to fulfill her public duties and continue her humanitarian work led her to use Kensington Palace as a base for her advocacy efforts. Her subsequent move to elsewhere was a step towards a more independent life, focusing on her work and personal growth.

Keywords: Princess Diana, Kensington Palace, Clarence House