As we were guided through the State Entrance of Windsor Castle yesterday evening, I thought “I prefer this to Buckingham Palace”.
Why?
Maybe it was the incredible armoury that adorn the stone walls of this beautiful castle.
Or is it that Windsor Castle is 700 years older and has so many more stories to tell?
It doesn’t matter, it’s just my personal opinion, but I quietly like the thought that it was our dear late Queen’s favourite too.
Charles III knows that he is the 39th monarch to call Windsor Castle home, and it is fascinating to see the influence of so many kings and queens before him.
From the dark baroque rooms favoured by Charles II, not my personal favourites, to the opulent grandeur so loved by George IV, Windsor Castle exemplifies the changing character of our beloved royal family.
Our historical military successes are happily celebrated with magnificent busts of Admiral Lord Nelson, alongside the bullet that killed him, the Duke of Marlborough and the flag that pays the annual rent for Blenheim Palace and the indomitable Winston Churchill, the first prime minister to serve Queen Elizabeth II.
In recent times, Windsor Castle is proud of its part in diplomatic role of the royal family, hosting dinner parties for a mere 162 guests in St George’s Hall, and it proudly displays the many, and slightly unusual, gifts received by the royal family as they have toured the Commonwealth and the world.
I’m lucky to have visited Windsor Castle numerous times and there is always something new to see and learn about.
But one thing never changes, it feels like a home. It may be a home on a completely different scale than most of us are used to, but there is a warmth, even on a cold December evening, that follows you as you get to know the personal tastes of some of our kings and queens.
The Windsor Castle fire in 1992 was devastating, and many of us will remember the tragically sad expression on the Queen’s face as she realised the scale of the damage.
However, something good does come out of bad and the dedicated skills of the restoration team have brought the splendour back to life.
It was wonderful being there to see the Christmas decorations and the huge Christmas trees towering over the great halls. A portrait of Queen Victoria in her later years was illuminated by some of the Christmas tree lights. I think she may be rather pleased to know that the tradition, begun by her and Prince Albert, of decorating Christmas trees is still going strong.
The Christmas trees only had to travel the short distance from Windsor Great Park, so next time you’re exploring the Park in a horse and carriage, keep an out for the Norwegian Spruce trees.
This visit, my first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, was a poignant reminder of the extraordinary time we’ve been privileged to live through. It also underscored the steady presence of the royal family, a constant amidst the ever-changing political landscape. Their enduring social and economic impact is a testament to the continuity they provide.