Inside Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth’s permanent new home: why the British monarch chose the royal Berkshire residence over Buckingham Palace for her Platinum Jubilee year

Mar 9 , 2022

Learn more about the Queen’s change of her official residence to Windsor Castle. Photos: @visitwindsoruk/Instagram, Reuters

The monarch moved to Windsor Castle at the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, but it seems like it’s now her permanent abode after calling Buckingham Palace home for 68 years

It’s home to many royal weddings at St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan wed, and where Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles had their service

Queen Elizabeth has moved from what was her official residence, Buckingham Palace, to Windsor Castle. Naturally the world is wondering what prompted the change – and if it’s a permanent move.

Queen Elizabeth II speaks to an audience at Windsor Castle. Photo: AP

Initially, the 95-year-old monarch and her late husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, relocated from London’s iconic Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle at the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. But the sovereign has now reportedly chosen to make Windsor – on the outskirts of London, some 34km west of the palace – her permanent home.

Members of the British military’s 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards Corps of Drums take part in the changing of the guard ceremony outside Windsor Castle. Photo: AP

One to the primary reasons for the move, it is thought, is that Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing extensive renovations, which are anticipated to end by 2027.

A glimpse inside Buckingham Palace. Photo: Royal Trust Collection

But there are other more personal reasons for the move, according to royal biographer Hugo Vickers. Speaking to The Times, he said: “Windsor is the place she loves. She has her memories with Prince Philip there, she has her ponies there, and family nearby. It makes sense.”

The Queen’s next Christmas at Windsor Castle? Photo: PA

Historically, Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, has been a residence close to the hearts of many monarchs. Set over 13 acres of land with around 1,000 rooms, Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, and has been a royal residence for almost 1,000 years.

The East Terrace Garden at Windsor Castle. Photo: @visitwindsoruk/Instagram

The gardens at Windsor are extensive, and since the queen is known to be a lover of the outdoors, this feature is unsurprisingly a stand-out perk.

Windsor Castle is a popular tourist attraction. Photo: @visitwindsoruk/Instagram