Windsor Castle is probably one of our very favourites so far. It is massive but not overwhelming. It has not been damaged by war so it is still all together and majestic.
Built in the 11th century after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror.
Since Henry I it has been used by succeeding monarchs and it is the longest-occupied palace in Europe.
This is the King Henry VIII gate. It is actually the exit gate from the Castle. Very similar design as Hampton Court where King VIII lived.
"The Long Walk" is a roadway that the Queen takes when travelling to Windsor Castle. It lies in a 5000 acre area referred to as the Windsor Great Park and is owned by the Queen. For many centuries it was the private hunting grounds of the royals. Much of it is now open for the public. It has been used as a location for films such as Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows (Parts 1&2), Robin Hood, Snow White and the Huntsman, and the Kings Speech. During WWII, this area housed the troops of England. We are walking in the footsteps of so many incredible moments in history!
It is also said that King Henry VIII waited here for news that his previous Queen Anne Boleyn had been executed.
This is where even today, at her golden age, the Queen still rides her horse in these parklands. On the evening we visited, many people were taking advantage of the walk and views from the road way. I spotted some of the parrots that we had seen previous in England in Hyde Park. It seems very odd to see these types of birds here. I have learned that at one time they were brought to England and have just multiplied. Beautiful and chatty colourful creatures. I will be added them to my 'hobby farm.'
The Queens entrance. We were peeking in the gate and zooming in for a shot. Hopefully they didn't get a shot of us as well.....to find us?
We rang the door bell....but no one came?
As we were walking away from the gate, a beautiful black Cocker Spaniel and a young man in a Windsor Castle uniform came walking up behind us. I asked if we could pet the wee puppy knowing exactly who's doggie it was. I am certain it was Lupo, Kate and Wills, 3 year old dog. If you check out the front cover of the latest edition of "Hello" magazine, Lupo is photographed with his family. Little George can't take his eyes off his dog in the photo.
The gentleman walking him actually looked like Prince William but of course that would be incredibly beyond hope of us 'bumping' into him at his Granny's house?
Debbie looks like a wee peanut next to this imposing tower! Can you find her? She has her red Canadian t-shirt on?
Windsor Castle was used as a refuge for the royal family, King George VI, the Queen Mother, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, during the bombing raids of World War II.
Debbie making friends with the Queen's warden. Ask him if there any empty rooms or apartments that we might just stay for a wee visit? The Queen loves Canadians.
Again.....it is incredible to me that we are walking in the footsteps of King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, and Queen Victoria? They stood were we are standing? Quite mind-blowing to say the least. On the day we visited, a soft mist covered the castle and made it look like something right out of the movies.
We arrived good and early and our reward was a spot right at the front of the gate with a direct, full view where the Changing the Guard will be.
And directly across, the tower just above and in between Deb's head and mine is the Queen's staterooms. SHE IS ACTUALLY AT THE CASTLE!!! How exciting for us. I hope to catch a glimpse of her. Supposedly, she watches the Changing the Guard from her tower. Hope she doesn't have her curlers in? I would love her regardless.
A closer look at her state apartments. Apparently, she will be visited by the Prime Minister of Ireland. There are Irish flags all over Windsor.
She herself will be in Windsor for the month of April. Wish we could stay longer.
OH MY GOSH! Deb pointed out that someone is in the window?
Look closer? Is it her?
Closer?
Oh my...I think it is?
Zooming in.....THERE SHE IS!!!!
I was so excited. She watched for a great long time. We also told everyone around us.....and then we all waved together so she would see us.
And here they come.....I do have a video which I will put on Facebook in a few days. It's fun to see if you haven't seen it before. Incredible outfits. The music is incredible. I had a smile from ear to ear.
This picture is for Debbie. She loves the drums and what about the fellow behind him?
Awesome.
The couple beside us....that is the Momma's head, have a son who is out there performing his duty in the Guard. They are so proud. I asked her which one was her boy? But they couldn't tell, because they all look and act exactly the same. We did catch up with them later when they found him.
In front of St. George's Chapel. The sight of many historic events but also the final resting spot of many royals and famous people. No photos were allowed. I am disappointed with that, but it is what it is. Inside we found the final resting spot of the Queen's Mother, and Father, King George VI and sister Princess Margaret. Queen Victoria's grandson is also here, named after her husband, Prince Albert. I did get a wee bit confused about that. There is a stone tablet on the floor honouring Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert. But his actually burial spot is located in another location not far.
As well, King Henry VIII and his Queen Jane Seymour are buried together here. Interesting enough, he had planned an elaborate burial vessel to be built and then to hold him in his death. But no one ever finished it?? Presently, and for the last 500 years plus, he is buried underneath the floor and if you didn't know it, you walk right over his plaque on the floor??
From the inside of Windsor Castle this is the King VIII exit. I love the look of this Tudor design. It reminds me of an ancient castle.
At the bottom of these towers are private apartments used by the Queen's staff. There has got to be at least one that is available?? We can cut the grass or pick weeds out of the garden? Whatever the Queen needs, we can do.....right Debbie?
An inspection right in full view of all the tourists. He did well.
These are the staterooms that can be toured. Incredible tour it is. Beautiful rooms and decor and so much history. But in 1992 this wing of the castle endured a massive fire that before it was brought under control, damaging over 100 rooms. It has all been restored and but a handful of antiques were lost. One of the wardens told me that the Queen was heard saying something to the effect of "Why did it have to happen on my watch?" A horrible time for her.
The incredible grounds with the flowers and trees. This castle is different from the rest we have seen. It is a working Castle. But it is also the home of the Queen. It feels welcoming and enjoyable to explore. A must see. If you fly to England and land at Heathrow Airport, Windsor is only a one hour, 25 sterling dollar taxi ride? An awesome pit stop to start your England journey.
No tourists at this time of day. No...we didn't sneak in? But we did go back for Evening Prayer at St. George's Chapel. It is usually Evensong, but it is almost Easter and the choir is already on holiday. I really had a feeling the Queen would attend because there wouldn't be many tourists. There was indeed 8 of us in total. But Deb and I got to sit in the choir stales, where the Order of the Garter sit!! Oh my gosh. What a thrill. During tours, it is all roped off and you can only look at the majestic seats and wonder who sat there over a thousand years? Today, some members, hand picked by the Queen, include The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, Prince Charles and Prince William.
I am keeping my eye on the cars and special people being greeted and walked into Windsor Castle?? For sure they must be someone famous? Friends or family of the Queen's? She almost looks like Camilla...but it is not. We know that either Prince William or Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, or both, are visiting today as the puppy is here!
And what about this group of snappy dressed gentlemen?
When they realized I was taking their photos, they headed into the Castle?
Hmmmmm.....that fellow looks like the actor from 'The Avengers?'
Deb returning to say goodbye to her fellow from the morning. What a friendly representative of the Queens. Next time I see her I will mention that to her.
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