Prince Philip funeral: Duke’s Land Rover drives through Windsor

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Serving as Queen Elizabeth II and her late husband Prince Phillip’s home for the majority of the year, Windsor Castle is an important estate in the Royal Family’s property and land portfolio. The Berkshire-based castle is a beautiful historical building, making it a go-to spot for many royal fans. But can members of the public visit?

Where is Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle is based in the city centre of Windsor, Berkshire.

The estate is oozing with 900 years worth of history.

It is the oldest occupied castle in not just Britain, but the world, and has been home to the Queen during the coronavirus pandemic.

The castle walls were founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century who decided to have it built towering above the Thames in 1070.

Work was completed 16 years later, although in those times it was used as a base.

Since then it has been the home of 39 monarchs, including Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, Charles II, and Queen Victoria.

Can you visit Windsor Castle?

Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel are open to visitors.

St George’s Chapel is a working church and has daily services.

The chapel is open every day, but it is closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day.

The church also closes earlier than the rest of the castle in order to prepare for the evening service.

St George’s Chapel is open to the public and worshippers are welcome to attend the services.

For admission into Windsor Castle, tickets must be booked in advance.

However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, Windsor Castle’s website says it is temporarily closed to the public.

What is the history of Windsor Castle?

The original castle was built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion of England by William the Conqueror.

Since the time of Henry I, it has been used by the reigning monarch and is the longest-occupied palace in Europe.

Inside the castle walls is the 15th-century St George’s Chapel, considered by the historian John Martin Robinson to be “one of the supreme achievements of English Perpendicular Gothic” design.

The running of the St George’s Chapel is the responsibility of the dean and canons of Windsor who make up the College of St. George.

They are assisted by a Clerk, Verger and other staff.

The Society of the Friends of St George’s and Descendants of the Knights of the Garter, a registered charity, was established in 1931 to assist the College in maintaining the chapel.

What happens at St George’s Chapel?

Situated on the grounds of Windsor Castle, St George’s Chapel has been home to many of the biggest royal events.

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles had their televised blessing there in 2005, as it offered the couple a more low-key venue than Westminster Abbey – where Prince William and Kate Middleton wed.

St George’s Chapel can accommodate 800 guests, whereas the Abbey seats 2,000.

The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also took place at St George’s Chapel in 2018.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank were also married there in 2018.

Can you get married at St George’s Chapel?

Although you don’t have to be a royal to get married at St George’s, only certain people are entitled to do so.

The chapel is both a Royal Peculiar, which means it is governed by the monarch and a chapel of the Order of the Garter.

Unlike parish churches, not just anyone can apply to get married there.

Among those who can marry at the church are knights, residents of Windsor Castle, and residents of the College of St George.

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