You are at the top of the page

Skip to content or footer

Start of main content

The King's Staircase

This grand entrance to the King's State Apartments is a must-see

The walls of the King's Staircase were painted by William Kent as a vivid recreation of George I's court. The artwork depicts those who lived and worked at the lively 18th-century court.

In the Georgian period, visitors to court could only enter if their clothes and jewels were deemed suitable by the guards.

Some of the guards in their red uniforms stand among the figures of the arcade painted on the walls, many of them identifiable as members of the royal court.

Kent completed the staircase paintings in 1725-7 and replaced rather more plain wooden panelling, which had been installed by Sir Christopher Wren.

Kent included a picture of himself in the painting. Look out for him on the ceiling with his partner, the actress Elizabeth Butler, at his shoulder. Kent is wearing a brown turban and holding an artist's palette.

Header image: Members of George I's court depicted on the King's Staircase at Kensington Palace, including Mehemet von Könsigstreu, the Keeper of the Privy Purse for King George I, his wife Marie Hedwig  and his fellow Turkish valet, Ernst August Mustapha von Misitri. © Historic Royal Palaces

When

Open

In line with palace opening hours

Ticketing information


Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Kensington Palace tickets

A palace at work

Along with the Yeomen of the Guard, Kent's painting includes the King's Polish page Ulric and Ludwig Maximillian Mehemet von Könsigstreu, the Keeper of the Privy Purse for King George I.

Mehmet and his wife Marie Hedwig are believed to be one of the first interracial married couples at the Hanoverian Court. As a trusted servant of King George I, with intimate access to the monarch, Mehmet was an influential, and sometimes, controversial figure. Now, for the first time, his fascinating story will be brought to the fore in Untold Lives: A Palace at Work, alongside his fellow Turkish valet, Ernst August Mustapha von Misitri, (more commonly known as Mustapha) in a portrait by Godfrey Kneller – on loan from the Ömer Koç Collection - never exhibited before in the UK.

Also depicted on the staircase is a young boy called Peter, who was found living alone in German woods and brought to Kensington Palace. Peter became famous as the subject of intense scientific and public interest, before being sent away.

Peter’s image survives, but many other people were forgotten and overlooked, with only brief details of their lives preserved in the royal accounts.

Learn more about Untold Lives: A Palace at Work
Detail of the King's Staircase at Kensington Palace showing members of King George I's court.

Image: Members of George I's court portrayed on the King's Staircase at Kensington Palace. © Historic Royal Palaces

More on our blog

The palace at work

Read insights from our expert curators about those who served the royal court in the 17th and 18th centuries, inspired by our exhibition, Untold Lives.

Explore what's on

  • Things to see

Victoria: A Royal Childhood

Discover the story of Princess Victoria, the young girl destined to be queen, in the rooms where she was born and raised at Kensington Palace.

  • Open
  • In line with palace opening hours
  • Kensington Palace
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Palace Gardens

Walk in the footsteps of royalty in the beautiful Kensington Palace gardens.

  • Open daily
  • 10:00 - 16:00. Last entry 17:45.
  • Kensington Palace
  • Free
Learn more
  • Things to see

The King’s Gallery

Explore the King's Gallery, which was transformed by William Kent to showcase the finest paintings of the Royal Collection.

  • Open
  • In line with palace opening hours
  • Kensington Palace
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more

Browse more history and stories

Queen Anne

A surprisingly successful monarch, despite ill health and tragedy

The story of Kensington Palace

An elegant retreat for Britain's royal family

William III and Mary II

England's only joint sovereigns, who transformed Kensington Palace into a royal residence

Shop online

Shop Kensington Palace

Explore our exquisite collection of gifts and souvenirs, inspired by Kensington Palace's rich royal stories, past and present.

From £2.50

Official Kensington Palace Guidebook

Discover the history of Kensington Palace and learn about the royals who lived there in this official guidebook.

£6.00

Kensington Palace Decoration

This exquisitely detailed tree decoration showcases the elegant architecture of Kensington Palace.

£30.00