The Windsor Castle Vault, also known as the Royal Vault, is a burial site located beneath St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. This sacred space has been the final resting place for numerous members of the British royal family, including former monarchs and their relatives.
History of the Royal Vault
The Royal Vault was constructed in 1804 under the orders of King George III. The first person to be buried in the vault was Princess Amelia of the United Kingdom in 1810. Since then, it has housed the remains of 24 royal family members and former monarchs.
Who is Buried in the Royal Vault?
The vault contains the remains of several notable royals, including:
| Name | Relation to the Royal Family | Year of Death |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Amelia | Daughter of George III | 1810 |
| Princess Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick | Sister of George III | 1813 |
| King George III | – | 1820 |
| King George IV | – | 1830 |
| King William IV | – | 1837 |
| Queen Adelaide | Wife of William IV | 1849 |
| Prince Adolphus, Duke of Cambridge | Grandfather of Queen Mary | 1850 (placed in vault 1930) |
| Princess Augusta, Duchess of Cambridge | Grandmother of Queen Mary | 1889 (placed in vault 1930) |
Royal Funerals and the Royal Vault
The Royal Vault is used for royal funerals, where coffins are lowered into the vault through an opening in the floor of St George’s Chapel. The vault is known for being more spacious than most royal tombs, measuring 2m long and 8.5m wide.
Interesting Facts
- The vault was rearranged multiple times to accommodate growing numbers of coffins.
- In 1813, workers accidentally broke through a wall into another burial vault, discovering the remains of King Henry VIII, his third wife Jane Seymour, and the executed King Charles I.
- The Royal Physician took parts of King Charles I’s vertebrae, tooth, and beard before these were returned in 1888.
Current Status
The Royal Vault is currently home to 25 members of the royal family. The late Duke of Edinburgh was temporarily placed in the vault and will be relocated to the King George VI Memorial Chapel to lie with Queen Elizabeth II, as well as her mother and father, King George VI, the Queen Mother, and Princess Margaret.
Visiting the Royal Vault
The public is not allowed to enter the Royal Vault or the King George VI Memorial Chapel. However, visitors can attend services at St George’s Chapel, which are free to all.