Windsor Castle visit an opportunity to walk in history, and know Queen Elizabeth is nearby

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WINDSOR CASTLE, Royal County of Berkshire, U.K. — We took a pleasant 90 minute, 32-kilometre train ride from London, a few weeks back, and found ourselves in the town of Windsor, on the south bank of the Thames River and a scant 10 minute walk from the storied Windsor Castle.

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Windsor is small but with a powerful pulse, bursting with activity, if not emotion – one of the reasons being the country’s beloved Queen Elizabeth II, now resides at Windsor Castle permanently.

Everyone I spoke with about the Queen’s new permanent home couldn’t be happier. Many were full of praise, some pointing out Windsor Castle was the Queen’s weekend home for many years before she moved there permanently (initially due to the COVID-19 crisis, making it official just recently).

Add to this the fact this is indeed a special year for Queen Elizabeth – it’s the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee, celebrating her 70-year reign as the longest serving monarch. Celebrations have already been happening, and will culminate in a special four-day U.K. bank holiday weekend starting June 2. Organizers say the four days will include everything from community activities to public events, garden parties, concerts, parades and more. There are even plans for the world’s largest picnic to take place on the grounds of Windsor Castle’s Long Walk park – organizers are hoping to break records with more than 1,600 scheduled to participate.

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Here’s the thing – everyone’s holding their collective breaths as to whether the Queen will make it out to some of these events. Although sharp of mind, the decades of loyal service to the Crown this 96-year-old monarch has given have taken their toll, and she has missed many events, sending her family in her stead.

That said, from her living quarters in the Berkshire Estate of Windsor Great Park (basically, the other side of the castle) she is comfortably ensconced, her corgis at her side (there’s word a new puppy has joined the Queen), a fireplace burning nicely (we could see the smoke!) and a bird’s eye view of the thousands of visitors touring the place. It should be noted that nearly one and a half million people visit the castle yearly. Yes, she was in her castle during our visit – silly me, I even waved at her window!

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And – what a place it is! Magnificent doesn’t begin to convey the depth of power the castle conveys. Considered the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, and has since been home to 39 monarchs. There is a small town within the castle where staff live. Every step you take is an opportunity to walk in history.

The grounds are pristine, beautiful flowers everywhere. The castle itself is full of grandeur, artwork and treasures beyond words, with one large stateroom opening up onto another. On certain dates you’ll see the pomp and ceremony of the changing of the guards – but whatever you do, quickly get out of their way when they march by or they’ll shout out a loud reminder to move!

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One of my favourite places during this visit was to St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle’s private chapel. Famous for its Gothic architecture, it has served the monarchy well, with many royal events. It’s where the nuptials of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took place. Having watched the whole spectacle on TV, and then standing directly where they stood was an astonishing experience.

And within the Chapel are the tombs of 10 monarchs, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. We also gazed at the final resting spots of the Queen’s grandparents, parents, and her sister, whose ashes are nestled near her mother and father, as per the princess’ request.

Underneath the altar are the remains of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen’s beloved husband. He is only there temporarily, until history takes its course. I still recall that powerful photo of a heartbroken Queen Elizabeth, sitting by herself with her black mask on, during the services for her prince. We also stood right next to the chair she had sat on, giving one a sense of sadness of what had taken place.

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There is so much to see and do at Windsor Castle – one day is not enough! Plan to stay awhile – check out the famous Castle Hotel Windsor (castlehotelwindsor.com), where you have a bird’s eye view of the castle. We enjoyed a superb afternoon tea there, while being regaled with stories of lore, including official – and unofficial – royal sightings.

You still have time to plan! I’d be back in a heartbeat it’s so spectacular.

When you’re planning your stay, check out the following for additional details:  https://www.visitbritain.com/ca; https://www.royal.uk/platinum-jubilee-central-weekend; https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle

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