Country home of George III’s aunts, the palace came into use as a school house when the royal family was living at the White House, just opposite Kew Palace.

Here George, the Prince of Wales, and his brother Edward lived with their tutors and had their lessons.

George III and Queen Charlotte inherited the White House, and they too used Kew Palace as a school house for their eldest sons, George, Prince of Wales, and Prince Frederick.

It was also here that George III was often convalescing from illness when he came to Kew in those early years of the 19th century.

Queen Charlotte too came to Kew Palace to convalesce for what she imagined was to be a few days in the early summer of 1818. However her condition deteriorated and she died at the palace in November 1818.

Also famous for...

Losing the American colonies

Prior to war George wrote, ‘I cannot help being of opinion that with firmness and perseverance America will be brought to submission’. 

He was wrong. On 4 July 1776 American leaders issued a Declaration of Independence and the British army was finally defeated in October 1781.