Windsor Castle stands as one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, drawing tourists from around the world. Many visitors wonder about its ownership as they marvel at its stone walls and royal history.
Windsor Castle is owned by King Charles III in right of the Crown. He immediately inherited it following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022.
The castle has been a royal residence for nearly 1,000 years, with its origins dating back to William the Conqueror.
Today, it serves as more than just a historic monument—it remains a working palace. Various departments of the Royal Household operate at Windsor Castle. These include the Royal Archives and Royal Photograph Collection housed in the ancient Round Tower.
While Windsor Castle appears timeless, its ownership has passed through generations of monarchs, each adding their unique touch to this magnificent structure. It forms part of the Occupied Royal Palaces Estate, distinguishing it from the monarch’s private properties. This ensures its preservation as part of Britain’s major tourist attractions.
Key Takeaways
- Windsor Castle belongs to the reigning monarch as part of the Crown Estate, not as personal property.
- The castle has served as a continuous royal residence since William the Conqueror, making it the oldest and largest inhabited castle worldwide.
- Beyond being a historic monument, Windsor Castle functions as an active royal workplace housing important collections and hosting state events.
Historical Overview
Windsor Castle has a rich history spanning over 900 years, serving as a royal residence, fortress, and symbol of the British monarchy. Its story reflects the changing fortunes of England’s rulers and the evolution of British architectural styles.
Origins and Construction
Windsor Castle began as a wooden fortress built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. He chose this strategic location high above the River Thames on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground. The original wooden structure was designed as part of a defensive ring around London.
Henry I became the first monarch to live at Windsor, replacing the wooden structure with stone buildings. The castle took on greater importance under Henry II, who undertook substantial building works between 1165 and 1179.
The most significant early development came during Edward III’s reign. He transformed Windsor from a military fortress into a Gothic palace between 1350 and 1377, spending over £50,000. This was an enormous sum at the time.
Significant Monarchs
Elizabeth I spent much of her time at Windsor, using it as a safe retreat during times of crisis. She made the castle a center for diplomatic entertainment and royal festivities.
Henry VIII also enjoyed Windsor and is buried in St. George’s Chapel alongside his third wife, Jane Seymour. The castle suffered during the English Civil War, when Charles I was imprisoned there before his execution.
After the Restoration of the Monarchy, Charles II renovated the castle with lavish Baroque interiors. George III and George IV later made further dramatic changes, creating grand state apartments and ceremonial rooms including the magnificent Waterloo Chamber.
Restoration and Changes
Queen Victoria made Windsor her principal royal residence, spending much of her time there after Prince Albert’s death. Many modernizations occurred during her reign, including electricity and telephone installations.
The 20th century brought new challenges. The castle survived both World Wars, though the royal family occasionally worried about bombing during WWII.
In 1992, Windsor faced disaster when a serious fire damaged over 100 rooms, including the magnificent St. George’s Hall. The restoration project cost £36.5 million and was completed in 1997.
Today, Windsor Castle remains a working palace and is owned by King Charles III as part of the Crown Estate. It stands as the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, continuing its centuries-old role as a royal home.
Architectural Significance
Windsor Castle stands as a remarkable example of British architecture, evolving over nearly 1,000 years of continuous royal occupation. Its grand structures combine various architectural styles that reflect different periods of English history.
State Apartments
The State Apartments at Windsor Castle represent some of the most magnificent interiors in Britain. King Charles II rebuilt much of these apartments in the 1660s with architect Hugh May’s assistance, creating lavish Baroque spaces to rival Versailles.
The apartments contain priceless artworks from the Royal Collection, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Holbein.
Many of the State Rooms received significant updates during George IV’s reign in the 1820s. Working with architect Sir Jeffry Wyatville, he transformed the interiors with rich furnishings and ornate Gothic details.
Visitors today can tour these splendid rooms when the castle isn’t being used for official functions. The Grand Reception Room and St. George’s Hall are particularly impressive examples of royal grandeur.
St. George’s Chapel
St. George’s Chapel stands as one of England’s finest examples of Gothic architecture. Built primarily between 1475 and 1528, it represents the height of Perpendicular Gothic style.
The chapel serves as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, England’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. Its magnificent fan-vaulted ceiling spans the choir, creating a breathtaking canopy of stone.
The chapel is also the final resting place for numerous monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and more recently, Queen Elizabeth II.
Its stunning stained glass windows tell biblical stories and display heraldic emblems of knights throughout history. The elaborate wooden choir stalls feature beautifully carved misericords and display the banners of current Knights of the Garter.
Crimson Drawing Room
The Crimson Drawing Room represents George IV’s theatrical taste and love of fine objects. This sumptuous space showcases the king’s passion for luxurious interiors and decorative arts.
Named for its rich red silk wall coverings, the room features ornate gilded moldings, crystal chandeliers, priceless furniture pieces, and fine porcelain displays.
The room suffered significant damage during the 1992 castle fire but has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Craftsmen used traditional techniques to recreate the intricate plasterwork and decorative elements.
Today, the Crimson Drawing Room serves as one of the castle’s most elegant reception spaces, used by the royal family for special occasions and important gatherings.
Largest Occupied Castle
Windsor Castle holds the distinction of being the largest inhabited castle in the world. Spanning over 13 acres, its massive footprint contains more than 1,000 rooms.
William the Conqueror selected the strategic hilltop location, high above the River Thames, for its defensive advantages. The original wooden structure was later replaced with stone fortifications.
The castle’s size allowed it to evolve beyond military purposes into a true royal residence. Different monarchs expanded various sections according to their needs and artistic preferences.
Despite its enormous scale, Windsor remains a functional home. It contains all the modern amenities needed for daily living alongside historical treasures and ceremonial spaces.
The castle’s working areas include offices, kitchens, staff quarters, and maintenance facilities necessary to support royal life and the million-plus visitors it welcomes annually.
Royal Significance
Windsor Castle stands as a symbol of British monarchy and royal traditions. It serves not only as a residence but as a center for important ceremonies, collections, and royal activities that have shaped British history for centuries.
Royal Family Residence
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world and remains a working palace today. The castle serves as one of the official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II used Windsor Castle as a weekend home and spent many private holidays there throughout her reign.
During her later years, the Queen spent more time at Windsor, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The castle became her primary residence during this period.
King Charles III, as the current sovereign, now has ownership of Windsor Castle along with other royal holdings. The Royal Family often gathers at Windsor for important occasions and holiday celebrations.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert particularly loved Windsor, making significant renovations to the castle during their time.
Royal Collection Trust
The Royal Collection Trust manages many of Windsor Castle’s treasures and public access areas. This collection houses priceless artworks, historical artifacts, and royal memorabilia spanning centuries.
The Trust maintains one of the most important art collections in the world, with works by renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Rubens. These masterpieces decorate the State Apartments and other areas of the castle.
The Semi-State Rooms, created for George IV, feature some of the most ornate interiors in the castle. These rooms showcase his lavish taste and contain many treasures from his collection.
Visitors can explore the castle and its collections through guided tours. The Royal Collection Trust ensures these historical items are preserved for future generations.
Order of the Garter
Windsor Castle is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, Britain’s oldest and most prestigious order of chivalry. Founded by Edward III in 1348, the Order continues to hold its annual ceremony at St. George’s Chapel within Windsor Castle.
The Order includes the monarch as Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and 24 Knights Companions. Foreign monarchs can be additional members as “Stranger Knights.”
The Garter Ceremony typically takes place in June. Members wear magnificent blue velvet robes and walk in procession to St. George’s Chapel for a service. This colorful tradition draws many spectators.
The Order’s motto “Honi soit qui mal y pense” (“Shame on him who thinks evil of it”) appears throughout Windsor Castle. The Garter Throne Room contains the formal meeting place for the Order.
Royal Weddings
St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle has hosted numerous royal weddings throughout history. In recent years, it has become a popular venue for royal couples seeking a more intimate setting than Westminster Abbey.
Notable weddings include:
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (2018)
- Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank (2018)
- Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones (1999)
- Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles (blessing after civil ceremony, 2005)
The chapel provides a stunning backdrop with its Gothic architecture and historical significance. Its smaller size creates a more personal atmosphere while still maintaining royal grandeur.
Royal weddings at Windsor typically include processions through the town, allowing the public to participate in these celebrations. These events attract global attention and showcase Windsor’s continuing role in royal traditions.
Royal Mews
The Royal Mews at Windsor Castle houses the royal carriage collection and stables. This working facility maintains the horses and carriages used for state occasions and royal ceremonies.
The Windsor Mews contains historic vehicles including the Scottish State Coach and several other carriages used for royal processions. Staff at the Mews care for both the horses and the maintenance of these historic vehicles.
The Queen was known for her love of horses, and Windsor provided space for her favorite mounts. The castle grounds include riding areas where royal family members often enjoy horseback riding.
During events like Royal Ascot and the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the Mews becomes particularly active. The annual Windsor Horse Show takes place in the castle’s Home Park and is a favorite royal event.
Visitors can sometimes see the horses and carriages in use during changing of the guard ceremonies or preparation for state visits.
Modern Royal Use
Windsor Castle continues to be an important working palace for the British royal family. It serves as both a private residence and a venue for official events, while also welcoming visitors from around the world.
Public Access and Tourism
The largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle opens its magnificent State Apartments to the public throughout the year. Visitors can explore these grand rooms filled with treasures from the Royal Collection.
The castle welcomes tourists while still functioning as a royal home. The Royal Collection Trust manages public access, balancing tourism with the castle’s role as a working palace.
Highlights include the stunning Crimson Drawing Room with its rich decor and the historic St. George’s Chapel. This chapel is not just a place of worship but also the final resting place of many monarchs.
Tours typically include the State Apartments, which feature changing exhibits and royal artifacts. Visitors often time their visits to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Royal Ceremonies and Events
Windsor Castle hosts many important royal ceremonies and family celebrations. The magnificent St. George’s Chapel has been the setting for several royal weddings, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ceremony in 2018.
King Charles III inherited Windsor Castle following Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and continues to use it for official functions. The castle serves as a venue for state visits and diplomatic receptions.
Royal family members including Prince Edward and Prince Andrew have strong connections to Windsor. The castle grounds host the annual Royal Horse Show and other traditional events.
During special occasions, the State Apartments transform into grand entertaining spaces. Easter Court is a tradition where the monarch often spends the Easter holiday at Windsor.
The castle also hosts investiture ceremonies where the monarch bestows honors and knighthoods on deserving individuals.
Additional Royal Residences
Beyond Windsor Castle, the British royal family maintains several other notable properties across the United Kingdom. These estates serve as official residences, private homes, and historic landmarks with unique histories and purposes.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace stands as the most recognized official residence of the British monarchy. Located in Westminster, London, it serves as the administrative headquarters of the monarch.
The palace features 775 rooms and hosts state visits, investitures, and other royal ceremonies. Its famous balcony is where the Royal Family appears on special occasions.
Buckingham Palace is one of three official royal residences, alongside Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. During summer months, parts of the palace open to visitors when The King is away.
The iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony draws tourists year-round. The palace also houses priceless art treasures as part of the Royal Collection.
Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle sits in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Unlike other royal properties, Balmoral is privately owned by the Royal Family rather than being Crown property.
Queen Victoria purchased the estate in 1852, and it has remained a beloved private retreat for the royals. The castle spans approximately 50,000 acres of stunning Scottish countryside.
The Royal Family traditionally spends their summer holidays at Balmoral. Queen Elizabeth II particularly cherished this residence, spending her final days there in September 2022.
Parts of the estate open to visitors between April and July, before the royal family arrives for their summer stay. The castle showcases beautiful gardens, exhibitions about royal life, and guided tours of the grounds.
Sandringham House
Sandringham House in Norfolk has been a private home of British monarchs since 1862. This country estate covers 20,000 acres and has been best known as the setting for the royal family’s annual Christmas celebration.
Queen Elizabeth II inherited the property, and it now belongs to King Charles III. Unlike official residences, Sandringham is the private property of the Royal Family.
The house features beautiful gardens and a museum displaying royal vehicles and memorabilia. The estate also includes working farms, woodlands, and a country park open to the public.
Sandringham’s church, St. Mary Magdalene, hosts the Royal Family for Christmas Day services, drawing crowds of well-wishers each year.
Royal Lodge
Royal Lodge sits within Windsor Great Park, just a few miles from Windsor Castle. This historic residence served as the royal residence for Edward VIII, the Duke of Windsor, between 1929 and 1936.
The 30-room mansion later became the home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from 1952 until her death in 2002. Today, it serves as the private residence of Prince Andrew, Duke of York.
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice spent much of their childhood at Royal Lodge. The property includes extensive grounds with gardens and a private chapel.
Unlike other royal residences, Royal Lodge remains closed to the public. Its Grade II listed status reflects its historical importance and architectural significance.
Notable Figures Associated with Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been home to many important royal figures throughout its 900-year history. The castle has served as a residence for numerous monarchs who have each left their mark on this historic building and its grounds.
William the Conqueror
William the Conqueror founded Windsor Castle after he claimed the English throne in 1066. He chose the strategic location high above the River Thames on the edge of a Saxon hunting ground.
The Norman king built the original castle as a defensive structure, part of a ring of fortifications around London. Construction began around 1070 as a simple motte and bailey castle.
William’s military background influenced the castle’s design. He recognized the site’s tactical advantages – its elevation provided excellent visibility of the surrounding countryside.
The castle was initially built from wood but was later reconstructed in stone by his successors. William’s vision established what would become the longest-occupied palace in Europe and one of England’s most important royal residences.
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth II had a special connection to Windsor Castle, considering it her weekend home. She spent much of her childhood at the Royal Lodge on the Windsor estate.
During World War II, the young princess stayed at Windsor Castle for safety reasons, protected from London bombings. This early association made Windsor an important place in her life.
The Queen traditionally spent Easter at Windsor, holding the “Royal Maundy” service at St. George’s Chapel. She also hosted annual Order of the Garter ceremonies at the castle.
Elizabeth II oversaw the castle’s restoration after the devastating 1992 fire. She personally contributed to the restoration costs and opened parts of the castle to visitors to help fund repairs.
In her later years, she used Windsor as her primary residence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following her death in 2022, she was laid to rest in St. George’s Chapel alongside her husband, parents, and sister.
Jack Brooksbank
Jack Brooksbank joined the Royal Family through his marriage to Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, in 2018. Their wedding ceremony took place at St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle.
The couple’s connection to Windsor Castle continued when they briefly lived at Ivy Cottage on the Windsor estate. Their wedding received significant public attention, being broadcast live to millions around the world.
Brooksbank, a businessman with a background in hospitality, represented a more modern addition to the castle’s long history of royal residents. Though not born into royalty, his wedding at Windsor Castle placed him among the notable figures associated with this historic site.
Their son, August Philip Hawke Brooksbank, was born in 2021, adding a new generation to the Windsor Castle legacy. The family maintains connections to the Windsor estate through royal events and family gatherings.
