As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare to move into their new marital home in Kensington Palace, Ruth Campbell enjoys a private tour and finds out what it’s like to be treated like a princess for a few days

THE first Royal inhabitants of Kensington Palace moved there to escape the hustle, bustle and grime of central London. Queen Mary and King William, who suffered badly from asthma, found the peace and seclusion they craved here in 1689.

Since then, this elegant architectural masterpiece has provided a delightful home and safe haven for a succession of royals, including the late Princess Diana and currently Prince William and Kate, who live in a 20-room apartment with their three children.

Now it is to become the first marital home of newlyweds Harry and Meghan, who will move into a lavish and recently refurbished 21-room wing of the palace following their wedding.

My sister and I were lucky enough to enjoy a fascinating private tour of the royals’ favourite residence recently when we stayed at the sumptuous five-star Baglioni Hotel just opposite, which has enchanting views of the palace and gardens.

Over the centuries, the palace has had its fair share of tears, triumph, joy and heartache and our exclusive guided tour – included in the Baglioni’s "Royal Occasion" package, along with a magnificent champagne afternoon tea – delved deep beneath the surface.

Our knowledgeable guide Rebecca treated us to enthralling inside stories of the extraordinary personalities who have lived here, showing us everything from the staircase the young Victoria descended when she first learnt she had become Queen to some of the famous outfits worn by Princess Diana.

Returning our chic and stylish Italian-run Baglioni Hotel across the road, where attentive staff couldn’t have been more charming, we felt we had exchanged one palace for another. And that wasn’t just because our suite was so luxurious. No one does hospitality like the Italians and all the guests here are treated like royalty.

I’m hardly surprised Italophile George Clooney is a regular, while Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Daniel Craig and Julianne Moore are among the other A-listers who have stayed here.

We sat by the terrace to take in the view as we enjoyed the Baglioni’s luxurious afternoon tea, with an Italian twist, which included freshly-made focaccia bread, bresaola, buffalo mozzarella, panna cotta and tiramisu, along with a glass of top quality Ferrari Italian champagne.

Spending a few days in this super-rich neighbourhood, where other famous residents include Roman Abramovich and Tamara Eccleston, gave us a taste of how the other half lives.

A safe distance from crowded Oxford Circus, Piccadilly and Mayfair, the Baglioni – which also boasts an upmarket Italian restaurant and bar offering tempting cocktails and gourmet bites – is tucked away in one of the loveliest locations in the city, perfect for people watching and gentle strolls through the park.

With all the charm of a private residence, this 67-room hotel, formed from a row of Victorian houses and part of a small, family-run chain established in Milan and Rome, opened in Kensington more than ten years ago.

The stylish interior decor, which includes gold feature walls and marble bathrooms is infused with Italian flair, even down to the Illy coffee machines, Pellegrino water and exclusive Ortigia Sicilian bath products in every room.

As if we weren’t feeling pampered enough, as well as a jacuzzi, we enjoyed a huge walk-in wardrobe and a Hollywood starlet-style make-up mirror. Our spacious suite, decorated in warm, neutral colours with large, comfortable beds, high ceilings and a fireplace, had a balcony that overlooked Hyde Park, which must be one of the prettiest green spaces in London.

Although we did venture into the West End, we were relieved to return to this peaceful sanctuary, just a few minutes’ walk from the Design Museum, Serpentine Gallery, Royal Albert Hall, the Victoria & Albert and Natural History museums.

And when we didn’t fancy walking, the Baglioni’s chauffeur took us to the nearest Tube station in the hotel’s Maserati, which is on hand to whisk guests around the capital.

We didn’t take the car when we headed out to dinner in Knightsbridge, since it was fascinating to stroll past the stucco-fronted houses of the super-rich on the way.

My grown-up sons, who live in the city, recommended eating at Hawksmoor, which has a reputation for serving the best steaks in London.

They weren’t wrong. And not just because all its top quality meat comes from grass-fed, North Yorkshire-bred cows.

Tucked down a side street near Harrods, this art deco-style restaurant and bar was buzzing, a great place for an early evening refreshing cocktail from the witty, inspired menu, along with a spot more people watching.

There is luxury seafood on offer too. Between us we enjoyed scallop and lobster, as well as flawless steaks, crispy triple-cooked chips, melt-in-the-mouth creamed spinach and bone marrow gravy. And the Australian red wine recommended by our diligent waiters was spot on.

For a pudding-lover like me, the inventive dessert menu, which includes Hawksmoor’s versions of a giant Ferrero Rocher and "Rolos" made with properly tempered chocolate, was simply a delight.

Next morning, following another exquisite breakfast at the Baglioni, we left to return to the real world.

If you’re not Meghan Markle, but you long to be treated like a princess, even for a few days, this is definitely the place to stay.

TRAVEL FACTS

A Royal Occasion package at Baglioni Hotel, London, starts from £420 and includes a ticket to an early morning private tour of Kensington palace and champagne afternoon tea for two.