If it wasnt already…its official- I would LOVE to live in a castle! My family came across the pond to join me in the UK for Thanksgiving, so we had to squeeze a day trip to see Windsor Castle.

As any royal fan has witnessed through both through Harry and Meghan’s wedding and by watching The Crown, Windsor Castle is a royal residence at Windsor in the English county of Berkshire. The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror, and it now is one of the Queen’s favorite places to escape the hustle and bustle of Buckingham Palace and London. The Queen usually spends her weekends at the castle and carries out formal duties, including hosting state visits by presidents, or presiding over knighthood ceremonies.

We started by walking up the hill to the grounds. Most castles are on hills, due to their strategic positioning and a military stalwart. That is actually the main difference in palaces and castles – castles were originated for a military purpose, while palaces are just residences.

The first part of the castle grounds we saw was the large, round tower. This highest point is surrounded by a dry moat as well as wall with arrow slits, where defending archers would position themselves during any attack.

We then moved on to see the The barracks for Military Knights of Windsor, originally/informally known as the Poor Knights. These are primarily retired military officers who receive a pension and accommodation on the castle grounds. They support for the Order of the Garter and for the services of St. George’s Chapel, representing all of the living knights. The barracks are directly across from St.George’s Chapel.

The chapel itself, where both Princess Eugenie and Meghan/Prince Harry recently married, is breathtaking. Founded by Edward III, this is one of the most important places in medieval England’s history. It is filled with final resting places of many of the royalty and the ceiling is decorated with prominent family crests – including the white and red roses for the Yorks and Lancasters, respectively. This is where Queen Elizabeth’s parents are sister are laid to rest and many assume she will also choose this honorable location for her final resting place.

In addition, even today, St. George’s at Windsor serves as home for the sovereign’s principal order of chivalry, the Order of the Garter. The Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348 and regarded as the most prestigious British order of chivalry in England and the United Kingdom, and appointments are made at the Sovereign’s sole discretion. There have only been about 1000 in the entire history! Fun fact- Prince William is included in this Chivalric Order, but not Prince Harry (at least, yet!).

After St. George’s we walked up to the main lawn and living space, patrolled by guards dressed in the full regalia! The lawn is perfect manicured and you can still see where the Windsor Greys (the Queen’s royal horses) pulled carriages into the grounds. 

The last part of the Castle we explored was the State Apartments. During the reign of King Charles II the State Apartments were renovated to rival the rooms of Versailles in France. They are historically used when the Monarch hosts events, particularly those with foreign dignitaries. The State Apartments are furnished with artwork from the Royal Collections, including paintings by Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Rubens.  The rooms range from everything from a grand banquet hall, a military tribute room, private drawing and dressing rooms, and even the King’s private dinning room. Each room perfectly decorated and exquisitely furnished, as well as filled with history and storied tradition. While we were there, they even had a special feature displaying the attire from Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding. My favorite piece was the tiara, originally worn by Queen Mary. Queen Mary’s Filigree tiara was originally given to her when she married Prince George, Duke of York in 1893. This was just one of the many highlights of the tour.

Windsor Castle’s grounds and artwork are absolutely breathtaking and was a wonderful treat to visit such a historic place! Such a special place is well-worth the short trip if you are in London.

-MAL