William, Kate to move into Diana's former home

In fact, the couple will make Kensington Palace their official London residence, a media report said. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will pick up the keys to a “small” apartment at the palace within weeks; the royal residence was Prince William’s boyhood home until Diana’s death in a 1997 car crash, the Daily Express said.

“It is the place where William grew up. He has many happy memories. William showed Kate around while they were looking for a suitable home before their wedding and she liked it very much,” an insider was quoted as saying.

However, the couple will not be able to move into apartments eight and nine as they are currently being used as office space. The move to a smaller apartment will be temporary as it’s not big enough to begin a family.

A spokesman for the couple said: “We can confirm that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s official London residence will temporarily become a property at Kensington Palace.”

In the days leading up to their wedding, 28-year- old Prince William took Kate, 29, to see Princess Diana’s old apartment at the palace. He wanted to share his childhood memories while discussing their options.

Apartments eight and nine were combined in 1981 to create the London residence of the Prince of Wales and Diana after their wedding. Princes William and Harry went to local nursery and pre-prep schools in nearby Notting Hill.

Diana carried on living there after her separation from Prince Charles in 1992 and divorce four years later.

Wedding dress on display

Meanwhile, Kate Middleton’s memorable wedding gown will be on display to the public this summer at Buckingham Palace. Officials say the dress designed by Sarah Burton of the Alexander McQueen fashion house will be displayed from July 23 until Oct 3.

Royal collection officials said on Monday that the veil, tiara, wedding shoes and diamond earrings that Middleton wore on her wedding day to Prince William will be part of the special exhibit.