Historic Royal Palaces marks Kensington Palace Pavilion launch with gala dinner

Historic Royal Palaces marked the launch of the Kensington Palace Pavilion last night, where 300 guests were invited to enjoy cocktails and a gala dinner.

Located on the palace lawns, the new venue overlooks the sunken garden and will be available to host an exclusive number of events for three years while the Orangery is closed for a planned refurbishment.

On the night, guests arrived through the Orangery gate and were greeted by costumed actors dressed as Henry VIII, Charles I and Queen Victoria.

The two rooms had been designed to depict the Orangery, with a variety of fruit trees, fresh oranges, green foliage and stephanotis flowers used to decorate the space.

“It was a truly spectacular evening celebrating the launch of the Kensington Palace Pavilion. The event perfectly showcased the versatility of the Pavilion and how it can be transformed for extravagant events, while incorporating the storied history and traditions of Kensington Palace,” said Alex Donnelly-Palmer, events and operations manager at Kensington Palace.

“Following the closure of the Orangery for vital conservation work, we are delighted to be able to offer this one-of-a-kind venue for exclusive and memorable events, whether a gala dinner, evening reception or product launch.”

Britain’s Got Talent 2017 winner, Tokio Myers, rounded up the dinner service surprising diners on the night with his performance, before guests were invited to the reception space to taste a variety of desserts.

Donnelly-Palmer added: “Clients booking events in the Kensington Palace Pavilion will contribute to Historic Royal Palaces’ charitable cause, as income raised from all commercial activities is reinvested in conservation, public access and educational activities to ensure the palace continues to well-maintained and open for all to enjoy.”