Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, thought her official London residence at Kensington Palace needed a little updating before her young family could move in, and she took a hands-on role in the renovation.

The process took 18 months to complete, and cost over £1 million. That’s roughly $1.6 million. Kate used her mother’s favorite interior designer, and – as she is known to do when making fashion selections – mixed pricey furniture and decor with less expensive pieces, such as faux fur throws from a London department store. She reportedly purchased the throws for a mere $129.

Of course, Kate had access to the royal collection of antiques when decorating her new digs. And in keeping with royal standards, the apartment boasts its share of impressive pieces, such as antique Corinthian lamps dating back to the 19th century and a Persian rug that is reportedly worth $50,000.

Apartment 1A is one of 12 apartments at the back of the famed Kensington Palace. It consists of 20 rooms spanning four floors. The apartment was most recently the residence of Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth’s sister, who died in 2002.

The apartment now features modern amenities such as WiFi and central air, in addition to two nurseries, three kitchens, and a panic room.

The royal government’s website refers to Kensington Palace as a working Royal residence. The Palace holds great historical significance as a favored residence of the British monarchy until King George II’s death in 1760.

Today it holds the offices and private residences of several members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and William’s younger brother Prince Harry.

Prince William will be raising his son Prince George in the same building in which he and his brother grew up. In 1981, two apartments were combined to form the London residence of his newly married parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales. Princess Diana lived at Kensington Palace until her death in 1997.

Image via Wikimedia Commons