The grand dame of the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, steeped in 1,000 years of royal history.
Windsor Castle is also the most visited residence in the royal estate, attracting around 1.5 million visitors (almost three times as many as Buckingham Palace) annually.
Who built Windsor Castle?
Originally constructed to guard the western approach to London, Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. It has been home to 40 monarchs since, with countless historic decisions made within its walls. The castle’s grand architecture, with its three wards and iconic Round Tower, reflects centuries of royal expansion and refinement.
The State Apartments, which were extravagantly remodelled by George IV, feature lavish furnishings and priceless artworks. The castle’s iconic Round Tower is home to the Royal Archives – a collection of 12 million documents relating to the history of the British Monarchy over 300 years.
One of Windsor’s most significant landmarks is St George’s Chapel, a masterpiece of Perpendicular Gothic architecture. It has hosted many royal weddings, including those of Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank. It the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip and other monarchs.
Does the Royal Family live in Windsor Castle?
King Charles III does not reside at Windsor Castle, but uses it for official ceremonies and state functions. It is home to around 150 residents, including the head of the Castle, the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle and the Dean of Windsor.
Prince William and Kate Middleton live in Adelaide Cottage with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The cottage is located is close to St. George's Chapel on the Windsor estate.
Can I visit Windsor Castle?
Windsor Castle is open to visitors all year-round. The castle estate includes Windsor Great Park, where visitors can explore ancient woodlands, photograph its herds of deer and follow scenic trails. The Long Walk, a tree-lined avenue, provides spectacular views of the castle.
Why is it called Windsor Castle?
Many assume that the castle is named after the Royal Family, but it's actually the other way round – the Royal Family got their family name from the castle.
The current Royal Family has German roots and was originally known as the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. However, during the First World War, King George V changed the family’s name due to growing anti-German sentiment and concerns that their original name emphasised their German heritage.
So, the family name was changed to Windsor and remains so to this day.
Are there tunnels underneath Windsor Castle?
There have been plenty of rumours about the tunnels underneath Windsor Castle (much of them accredited to Charles II being able to see his mistress Nell Gwyn) but they have never been officially confirmed.
However, in the 2011 BBC TV series The Queen's Palaces, Fiona Bruce showed viewers a secret escape underneath a trapdoor in one of the castle's rooms. The door led to an underground passage and is thought to have been used by soldiers when the castle was under siege – allowing them to escape and attack invaders from behind.
Discover more about the UK's Royal Family
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- Royal dogs: breeds adored by the British Monarchy, from King Charles' Jack Russell Terriers to Queen Elizabeth II's Corgis
- How much land does King Charles own? Here’s what the monarch actually has in his land portfolio
