The Royal Vault at Windsor Castle is a captivating and historic burial site that lies beneath the iconic St George’s Chapel. This subterranean chamber has served as the final resting place for numerous members of the British royal family, each with their own fascinating stories and legacies.
History and Construction
The Royal Vault was initially constructed in the 15th century as a temporary resting place for royal bodies before they were moved to their final burial sites. Over the centuries, it has evolved into a permanent repository for the remains of monarchs and their kin.
Burials and Occupants
The Royal Vault currently houses the coffins of 25 members of the royal family, including some of the most notable figures in British history. Among the occupants are:
- King George III and Queen Charlotte, along with several of their children
- Other monarchs and their spouses, such as King William IV and Queen Adelaide
- Members of the royal family, including Princess Amelia, the youngest daughter of George III
The coffins within the vault are often adorned with vibrant colors, silver, and silver gilt fittings, and some even feature funerary crowns or coronets atop them. The arrangement of the coffins has been rearranged over the years, with Queen Victoria overseeing a significant reorganization in the 1860s or 1870s.
Notable Events and Discoveries
The Royal Vault has been the site of several remarkable events and discoveries throughout its history. In 1813, for instance, workmen accidentally broke through to the vault while widening the area at the bottom of the catafalque shaft, leading to the discovery of a missing vault believed to contain the body of King Charles I.
The vault has also been the setting for numerous royal funerals and burials, including the recent interment of Queen Elizabeth II. However, the late Duke of Edinburgh will be relocated from the Royal Vault to the King George VI Memorial Chapel to lie with the Queen and other members of the royal family.
Access and Layout
The Royal Vault can be accessed through two main entryways: a spiral staircase near the east end of the chapel for those on foot, and a shaft for the transportation of coffins. The vault itself is located beneath the floor of St George’s Chapel, within the Windsor Castle grounds.
Future Plans
As mentioned, the late Duke of Edinburgh will be relocated from the Royal Vault to the King George VI Memorial Chapel, where he will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Queen Elizabeth II, and other members of the royal family. This move is part of the ongoing efforts to maintain and preserve the Royal Vault as a significant historical and cultural site.
Interesting Facts
The Royal Vault has a long and fascinating history, marked by accidental discoveries and ongoing renovations. Over the years, the exact positions of royal vaults and the bodies they contain have not always been meticulously recorded, leading to occasional surprises and mysteries.
One such example is the discovery of the missing vault believed to contain the body of King Charles I in 1813. Additionally, the vault has undergone significant refurbishment and renovation work, particularly during the reign of King George III in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.