Windsor Castle in England is a significant royal residence with a rich history. The castle has been home to numerous monarchs over the centuries, and it continues to be an important part of the British royal family’s legacy.
Current Residents
King Charles III
Although he does not reside at Windsor Castle full-time, King Charles III splits his time between Clarence House, Windsor, Balmoral, and other royal estates.
Staff and Military Personnel
Approximately 150 staff members, including the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle, the Dean of Windsor, Military Knights of Windsor, and soldiers who maintain a permanent military guard, live and work at the castle.
Historical Residents
Henry I
The first monarch to live in Windsor Castle, moving in 1110.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert
They spent many happy years at Windsor Castle, which was their preferred residence.
Queen Elizabeth II
She spent weekends and Easter at Windsor Castle and lived there for a significant portion of her final years due to the pandemic.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
They briefly occupied Frogmore Cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle before moving to California.
Prince William and Kate Middleton
They relocated from Kensington Palace to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park, which is part of the private grounds of Windsor Castle.
Other Royal Connections
The late Queen Elizabeth II
She spent a lot of time at Windsor Castle and was buried there along with her husband, Prince Philip, in the King George VI Memorial Chapel.
Prince Andrew
Was offered the keys to Frogmore Cottage by King Charles in 2023.
Interesting Facts
- Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, with approximately 500 people living and working there.
- The castle has been the final resting place of 11 monarchs, including Henry VIII, Charles I, and George III.
- During World War II, the Royal Family were secret residents of Windsor Castle, with blacked-out windows and reinforced bedrooms.
Visiting Windsor Castle
- The castle is open to visitors, with the state apartments available for viewing except during official state events.
- The changing of the guard takes place at 11 a.m. on certain days of the week.
References
- British Heritage Travel. (2024). Where do the Royal Family actually live? – British Heritage Travel. Retrieved from https://britishheritage.com/royals/where-royal-family-live
- Golden Tours. (n.d.). Who Lived at Windsor Castle? Secrets of the Royal Residence. Retrieved from https://www.goldentours.com/travelblog/who-lived-at-windsor-castle
- Ditton Manor. (2024). Who Lives In Windsor Castle? – Ditton Manor. Retrieved from https://dittonmanor.com/who-lives-in-windsor-castle/
- Architectural Digest. (2024). Windsor Castle: Inside the 1,000-Year-Old History of the Royal Residence. Retrieved from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/windsor-castle-inside-the-1000-year-old-history
- Elle Decor. (2024). A Guide to Windsor Castle and the Rest of the Royal Residences. Retrieved from https://www.elledecor.com/celebrity-style/celebrity-homes/a41232328/royal-real-estate/.