But, with the announcement of a royal wedding on Monday 27 November 2017, I immediately remembered that time I rubbed shoulders with royalty, all the way back on 20 June 2010, a nearly 7 and a half year throw-back post, so my memory of the day is slightly hazy. Pictures help doesn't it? The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is scheduled to take place in May 2018 at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in England.
I love the TV show Suits, and Meghan Markle is an extremely gorgeous actress, I wonder how the British Royal family would really react to the first person of mixed race heritage to marry into the British royal family? Well, that's not the reason or the purpose of my blog post today.
Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. It is notable for its long association with the English and later British royal family and for its architecture. The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I, it has been used by the reigning monarch and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe.
Windsor Castle, part of the Occupied Royal Palaces Estate, is owned by Queen Elizabeth II in right of the Crown, and day-to-day management is by the Royal Household. In terms of population, Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the longest-occupied palace in Europe, but it also remains a functioning royal home. As of 2006, around 500 people were living and working in the castle. The Queen has increasingly used the castle as a royal palace as well as her weekend home and it is now as often used for state banquets and official entertaining as Buckingham Palace.
An extremely bleak day out, yes that's English weather for you, but the opportunity to visit an actual working castle? In these modern days? Something to not be passed up!
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| I should point out, it had thousands of people here that day, yes, even a gloomy cold windy day like this, so to get a shot without anyone interrupting the picture is very difficult, maybe if we were a camera crew and we cordoned off the place? |
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| Our Tour Guide! I don't know if it's from a script they learn off, or it's something that they've developed themselves, but this particular fellow made the tour very engaging. |
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| My continued fascination with planes resulted me in spotting this particular one coming into land it seems? Too bad I didn't have a camera with higher resolution.. |
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| Proof that I was there! The back of my head 😋 |
There is a lot to see and do at Windsor Castle, which should take between 2½ and 3 hours. The Castle is at the top of a steep hill, and the visitor route covers long distances. The Admission Centre is at its busiest between 09:30 and 11:30, so you may like to consider arriving after 11:30. You can visit the State Apartments, the Drawings Gallery, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and St George’s Chapel at your leisure using the complimentary multimedia tour, which lasts 1½ hours. Guided tours of the Precincts, which are included in the admission price, depart at half-hourly intervals from the Courtyard and last 30 minutes. St George’s Chapel closes at 16:00, although visitors are welcome to attend evensong at 17:15.
Safety & Security
For safety and security reasons, a one-way system operates along the visitor route. On arrival, you and your belongings will be subject to airport-style security checks. Please try to bring as little as possible with you as it will help you to get through security screening more quickly. Some items, such as large items of baggage, backpacks, pushchairs, pen-knives and scissors will have to be checked in and reclaimed at the end of the visit.
Refreshments
Eating and drinking are not permitted in the State Apartments or St George’s Chapel. You will be asked to place drinks and food in closed bags before being admitted to the Castle. You can purchase bottled water at the Courtyard Shop at the beginning of your visit. Visitors wishing to leave the Castle for refreshments in the town may obtain re-entry permits from the Castle shops or the audio return point.
Photography, filming and mobile phones
Photography and filming including the use of wearable devices are not permitted inside the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms or St George's Chapel. Photography and filming for non-commercial purposes are welcomed in the outside areas of the Castle Precincts.
No parts of Windsor Castle may be used as the setting for wedding photography. In consideration of other visitors, mobile phones must be switched off inside the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel.
In case anyone is wondering, why I don't have pictures of inside of the castle, this particular little restriction is the reason why, but trust me, it's gorgeous inside, have a look at the video below. It is well worth the price of admission, but please take your time and enjoy every minute as, since you can't take pictures, your memories are all that you would have. As well as the souvenir guide which is available at the castle shop, should be of some help as well.
For further information, you can visit their website for online bookings etc.
Windsor Castle Website
The State Apartments
Visitors exploring St Georges Hall in the State Apartments at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been the home of 39 monarchs, and the appearance of the State
The State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens and Canaletto. Many of the works of art are still in the historic settings for which they were first collected or commissioned by the Kings and Queens who have lived at Windsor.
On 20 November 1992 a fire destroyed or damaged more than 100 rooms at the Castle. Four thousand gallons of water a minute were used against the blaze at the fire’s height, the equivalent of the entire weight of Niagara Falls descending on the Castle for two seconds. The restoration of the Castle, particularly St George’s Hall and the Grand Reception Room, is a testament to the extraordinary skills of some of the finest craftsmen in Europe.
Today Windsor's State Apartments are frequently used by members of the Royal Family for events in support of organisations of which they are patrons.
Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House
Among the highlights of a visit to Windsor is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, the largest, most beautiful and most famous dolls’ house in the world. Built for Queen Mary by the leading British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens between 1921 and 1924, this most magical of residences is a perfect replica in miniature of an aristocratic home.
The house is filled with thousands of objects made by leading artists, designers and craftsmen, nearly all on the tiny scale of 1:12. From life below stairs to the high-society setting of the saloon and dining room, no detail was forgotten. Among the most striking features of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House are the library, bursting with original works by the top literary names of the day, a fully stocked wine cellar and a garden created by Gertrude Jekyll. The Dolls’ House even includes electricity, running hot and cold water, working lifts and flushing lavatories. Learn more about the House in our online trail.
In the adjoining display two remarkable French dolls, France and Marianne, are shown with part of their extensive wardrobe of clothes and accessories. They were presented to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth for their daughters, the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, by the French Government during the 1938 State Visit to France. The dolls’ clothes and accessories were designed and made by the leading Parisian fashion houses, including Worth, Lanvin, Cartier, Hermès and Vuitton
The Semi-State Rooms
The magnificent Semi-State Rooms at Windsor Castle
One of the best times of the year to visit Windsor Castle is between September and March, when the spectacular private apartments created for George IV are open. These Semi-State Rooms are among the most richly decorated interiors in the Castle and are used by The Queen for official entertaining.
Building George IV's new private apartments
George IV had a well-developed love of fine objects and a taste for the theatrical. With his architect, Sir Jeffry Wyatville, he completely remodelled the Castle’s exterior during the 1820s, giving it the romantic and picturesque appearance seen today. He also decided to create a new suite of private rooms on the sunnier east and south sides of the Castle, including the magnificent Crimson Drawing Room. This was George IV’s last and greatest commission, and one of the most lavish and costly interior decoration schemes ever carried out in England.
Fire-damaged in 1992
The Semi-State Rooms were severely damaged by the fire of 1992, although, by good fortune, their contents had been moved elsewhere at the time. They were completely restored to their 19th-century appearance using the original designs supplied to George IV.
Please be aware the Semi-State Rooms will not be open when the State Apartments are closed.
St George’s Chapel
The beautiful architectural exterior of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle
St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England and is particularly noted for its magnificent stone fan vaulting. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III.
Within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I. At least three services take place every day. The chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, but all are welcome to attend any of the services.
Please note that Monday - Saturday the Chapel closes at 16:15 (last entry 16:00) in order to prepare for the evening service at 17:15 (doors open at 17:00).
Precincts Tour of Windsor Castle
A Castle warden guides visitors through the precincts at Windsor Castle
As the perfect start to your visit, you can join a free 30-minute tour of the Castle Precincts. The tours are led by the Wardens, dressed in their striking red and black Windsor livery, and depart at regular intervals throughout the day from the Courtyard at the start of the visit. Precinct tour times are advertised on a poster adjacent to the building from which multimedia tours are issued.
The Precincts tour introduces the Castle’s 900-year history as a fortress and palace, and its role today as an official residence of The Queen. It ends at the entrance to the State Apartments on Henry VIII’s North Terrace, from where spectacular views of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed.
Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle
The Changing the Guard Ceremony, the Lower Ward, Windsor Castle
Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle encompasses colourful spectacle and British pageantry.
When the ceremony takes place
The ceremony usually takes place at 11:00am within the Castle grounds on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, weather permitting. Please note that this schedule is set by the British Army and is subject to change. We advise you to check the Army website before visiting.
What happens?
Changing the Guard, also known as ‘Guard Mounting’, begins with the Windsor Castle Guard forming up outside the Guard Room. In due course, the new Guard will arrive, led by a Regimental Band, Corps of Drums or occasionally by a Pipe Band. During the 45-minute ceremony, the handover of duties will take place, including the changeover of sentries. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the old Guard will return to Victoria Barracks in Windsor town. When The Queen is in official residence, the parade takes place on the Castle Forecourt.
Where can I watch it?
Changing the Guard processes through Windsor town and then takes place inside the Castle Precincts. To access the Castle visitors must purchase a Castle ticket to watch the full ceremony.
History
The privilege of guarding the Sovereign traditionally belongs to the Household Troops, better known as ‘the Guards’, who have carried out this duty since 1660. For operational and other reasons, this privilege is periodically extended to other regiments of the British Army. The Guards consist of five infantry regiments – the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards – and two regiments of the Household Cavalry – the Life Guards and Blues and Royals. Most of the Guards will have seen action overseas.
Multimedia tours at Windsor Castle
Multimedia guide handset
To make the most of your time at Windsor, pick up one of the free multimedia tours in the Courtyard at the start of your visit.
General tour
Available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian and Mandarin.
The tour is introduced by The Prince of Wales, Chairman of Royal Collection Trust and takes you through the Castle Precincts, the State Apartments and St George’s Chapel. The commentary provides a lively guide to the Castle’s history, from William the Conqueror, through medieval expansion, George IV’s gothic transformation and The Queen’s use of the Castle today.
Along the route, staff of the Royal Household explain the role of the Castle today as an official residence of The Queen and talk about their work, from arranging a State Banquet for 160 guests to restoring the historic interiors following the devastating fire of 1992. Woven into the tour are the unique sounds of the Castle, from the music of St George’s Chapel choir to the chimes of the famous collection of clocks.
Family multimedia tour
Aimed at children aged 7-11, available in English
Collect your handset and listen to Horace, a timeless tutor, and Tommy, his pupil, who are your guides. They introduce you to the many magical characters who live at Windsor Castle, including Gilbert the Grotesque and Cyril, a Page of the Back Stairs.
Tour for blind and partially sighted visitors
An audio descriptive tour in English is available for blind and partially sighted visitors.
The tour provides information about the Castle as well as directions and location information to assist visitors throughout their visit.
How to get there?
By train: To Windsor & Eton Central or Windsor & Eton Riverside from London Waterloo or London Paddington (National Rail Enquiries Service 08457 484950 (UK)).
By coach: Green Line operates daily services from Victoria Coach Station, London.
Tour companies operate excursions to Windsor Castle from many London hotels. For details, please ask your hotel concierge.
By road: M4 to Exit 6. M3 to Exit 3.
There is no visitor car parking at the Castle, so visitors are advised to use public car parks in the town centre. Details about car parks can be found on the council's car parks page.
Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 1NJ
Opening times and admission prices
Opening times
March to October
Open daily from 09:30
Last admission is 16:00
Castle closed at 17:15
November to February
Open daily from 09:45
Last admission is 15:00
Castle closes at 16:15
A typical visit lasts 2-3 hours.
Admission to the Castle is busiest immediately after opening and throughout the morning. For the best experience we recommend you arrive after midday, especially during the summer and on public holidays.
Closures
Windsor Castle is closed on:
6 December
25 - 26 December
15-17 January 2018
20 April 2018
Windsor Castle early closures/late opening dates:
State Apartments closed on:
20 November
8 December
12 December
5 - 19 January 2018
23 January 2018
19 April 2018
21 April 2018
The Semi-State Rooms
Please note that the Semi-State Rooms are only open during the winter months between September and March. Please be aware the Semi-State Rooms will not be open when the State Apartments are closed.
St George's Chapel closures
St. George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. Worshippers are welcome to attend the services. These occur at the following times:
08:30 – Holy Communion
10:45 – Mattins and Sermon
12:00 – Sung Eucharist
17:15 – Evensong
The Chapel's opening hours are different on the following dates:
31 October St George's Chapel opens at 13:00
23 December St George’s Chapel closes at 13:00
24 December St George's Chapel closed to visitors but open for services
As a working royal palace, the Castle is used frequently by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining, and closures can occasionally occur at short notice.
Admission prices (all include a multimedia tour)
Standard admission
Ticket 2017 Price
Adult £20.50
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £18.70
Under 17/Disabled £12.00
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £53.00
When the State Apartments are closed
Ticket 2017 Price
Adult £11.30
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £10.30
Under 17/Disabled £7
Under 5 Free
Family (2 adults, 3 under 17s) £29.60
Admission to the Castle is free to residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead with an Advantage Card.
Admission prices for groups (15+)
Standard groups admission
Ticket 2017 Price
Adult £18.50
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £16.90
Under 17/Disabled £10.80
Under 5 Free
Book tickets
When the State Apartments are closed
Ticket 2017 Price
Adult £10.30
Over 60/Student (with valid ID) £9.30
Under 17/Disabled £6.30
Under 5 Free
Book tickets
Castles! <3
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