Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, has been the home of British monarchs for centuries. It is within this historic fortress that the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II can be found – the King George VI Memorial Chapel, located within the iconic St George’s Chapel.
The King George VI Memorial Chapel: Queen Elizabeth II’s Final Resting Place
The King George VI Memorial Chapel is the designated burial site for Queen Elizabeth II, as well as several other members of the British royal family. This chapel, which was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1962 to commemorate her father, King George VI, is where the Queen’s coffin was interred on September 19, 2022, following her state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
Accessibility and Visiting Hours
The King George VI Memorial Chapel is open to visitors on all days that Windsor Castle is open to the public, with the exception of Sundays. Visitors can attend services at St George’s Chapel for free, but a Windsor Castle ticket is required to access the chapel itself.
The chapel is open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays.
Ticket Information
General admission tickets to Windsor Castle include access to St George’s Chapel, where the King George VI Memorial Chapel is located. Ticket prices vary by day, with adult tickets costing £28.50 on Saturdays and £26.50 on other days.
Royal Burials
The King George VI Memorial Chapel is the final resting place of several members of the British royal family, including:
- Queen Elizabeth II
- King George VI (the Queen’s father)
- Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother (the Queen’s mother)
- Princess Margaret (the Queen’s sister)
- Prince Philip (the Queen’s husband)
The Ledger Stone
A hand-carved Belgian black marble ledger stone with brass letter inlays marks the Queen’s final resting place within the King George VI Memorial Chapel. The stone features the names of the royal family members buried there, including Queen Elizabeth II.
Visiting Considerations
When planning a visit to the King George VI Memorial Chapel and St George’s Chapel, it is essential to check the Royal Collection’s website for any provisional closure dates and service information that may apply. This will ensure that visitors are aware of any potential disruptions to their visit.
Additionally, it is important to note that the chapel is a sacred space, and visitors are expected to respect the solemnity of the site. Appropriate attire and behavior are expected, and visitors should be mindful of any ongoing services or ceremonies that may be taking place.
Conclusion
The King George VI Memorial Chapel within St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, as well as several other members of the British royal family. Visitors to Windsor Castle can pay their respects to the Queen and explore this historic and significant site, while also learning about the rich history and traditions of the British monarchy.
Reference:
– Royal Collection Trust – St George’s Chapel
– BBC News – Queen Elizabeth II’s final resting place
– The Guardian – Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin arrives at Windsor Castle