This splendid 900-year-old castle is The Queen's official residence in England and the largest occupied castle in the world.
Built by William the Conqueror in circa 1070, the site was chosen for its position high above the river Thames where it could guard the western approaches to the capital. It was also just a day's march from The Tower of London.
Having been inhabited by a succession of monarchs, a plethora of changes have been made, each reflecting the needs of the time. Some strengthened the castle against rebellion and attack whilst others, lucky to have lived in peaceful times, gave the castle a touch of luxury.
During the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell captured the castle and used it as a prison and headquarters of parliament. Charles I was held in the castle before his execution in London and was subsequently returned to be buried in St. George's chapel where nine other sovereigns, including Henry VIII and George VI, now lay buried.
The Queen Mother, wife of George VI, and their daughter Margaret are also interred within the chapel.
Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret made the castle their home during World War II while their parents remained in London supporting the war effort. The Queen, having fond memories of her childhood and a soft spot for Windsor, spends most of her weekends at the castle.
Sadly, a fire destroyed approximately one-fifth of the castle's area in November 1992 when a spotlight came into contact with a curtain causing a blaze in the Private Chapel. The fire spread quickly and took 15 hours to extinguish. However, over the course of the following five years and as a result of the most extensive historic restoration project ever undertaken in Britain, the castle was restored to its former glory at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
The castle is often used to entertain visiting Heads of State and other diplomats as well as being the main venue for Royal weddings and, more sadly, Royal funerals. It's also the Queen's official residence during Easter and for the weekend of the Royal Ascot Races.
Visitors have access to the State Apartments and for part of the year it's also possible to visit the Semi-State rooms, some of which are furnished with treasures from the Royal Collection including Rubens and Van Dyck, splendid tapestries, porcelain and fabulous sculptures.