The Queen and Prince Philip have decided to spend Christmas at Windsor Castle this year, and have chosen not to form a bubble with any other households. Even though this year will be markedly different to the norm, the monarch will be surrounded by twinkling lights, festive garlands and beautifully decorated trees as the royal household have been busy putting up the Christmas decorations.
Staff at Windsor Castle have been hard at work ensuring the royal residence is ready for the building to reopen to visitors from Thursday.
A stunning 20ft Norwegian Spruce tree has been placed in the historic St George’s Hall, the largest room in the castle.
The tree, which was taken from the grounds of Windsor Great Park, has been dressed with 3,000 lights of iridescent glass and decorated with delicate red and gold mirrored ornaments.
Another large tree has been placed in the castle’s Inner Hall, which is also adorned with the same festive colours.
Three smaller trees line the Queen’s gallery, which are decorated with glittering gold ornaments.
A final tree sits in the Admissions centre.
Festive garlands also cover the Grand Staircase, decorating the impressive suits of armour.
Staff have also given a nod to the bicentenary of George IV’s accession to the throne in 1820, by setting up the State Dining Room with his silver-gilt Grand Service.
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The Queen traditionally spends Christmas with close family at Sandringham.
But this year the senior royals have decided to forgo the festivities and remain at Windsor Castle.
They have decided not to bubble up with two other households, as permitted by the Prime Minister for the period between December 23-27.
The Royal Family hope their decision to spend the day apart will inspire others to celebrate the festive period carefully, even though the rules have been relaxed so households can mix.
A Palace spokesman said: “Having considered all the appropriate advice, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.”
The Queen will still spend time chatting to other royals virtually, as they have done throughout lockdown.
Last week Boris Johnson said a maximum of three households can create a Christmas bubble from December 23-27.
