Despite all the controversy recently surrounding the royal family, Queen Elizabeth is determined to let it all go. Her Majesty is full steam ahead to the holiday season. She's getting into the spirit of the holiday with the gorgeous decor that's adorning Windsor Castle, as seen in recent photos. Christmas trees, gold-detailed china, and ornate wreaths make the palace feel like a holiday wonderland.
There are two trees in particular that are the statement pieces in the holiday decor. One is a 15-foot Christmas tree in the castle's Crimson Drawing Room. The other is a 20-foot Nordmann fir Christmas tree in St. George's Hall. The tree was grown in Windsor Great Park and is decked out with "hundreds of iridescent glass and mirrored ornaments," the castle's website says.
If you find yourself in the neighborhood of Windsor Castle, you're in luck. Portions of the castle are available to tour between now and January 5.
Queen Elizabeth is ready to celebrate the holidays. She's gotten into the spirit thanks to the breathtaking decor that has filled Windsor Castle. The staff of the Royal Collection Trust has worked hard to adorn the trees that reside in Her Majesty's Berkshire home.
The festive decor went up just in time for the palace to start receiving guests for the holidays. From November 30 through January 5, guests can see State Apartments at the palace decorated. Some of this year's decorations were recently unveiled.
There are two large Christmas trees that make up the heart of the decor. One is a 15-foot-tall tree. The ornately decorated tree is decorated with red and gold baubles in the Crimson Drawing Room.
The second tree is a 20-foot Nordmann fir Christmas tree. It was grown in Windsor Great Park. Now located in St. George's Hall, the tree is decorated with "hundreds of iridescent glass and mirrored ornaments."
If the surroundings look familiar, you have seen the spot before. The tree resides in the same area where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first introduced son Archie to the world. We have a feeling he'd love seeing all the beautiful ornaments.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also tied the knot at St. George's Chapel. The first of their two receptions took place in St. George's Hall. Harry and Meghan reside not too far away, in Frogmore Cottage.
Queen Elizabeth made some adorable comments about the Christmas decor in a documentary in 2018. "The problem is the children love knocking those [baubles] off," the Queen joked. "My great-grandchildren do. Even the grandchildren still."
"The great thing is to make them decorate it — then they’re a bit more careful," the Queen added. How cute it is to think of all of them together, decorating the tree! Reports indicate that it won't happen this year, but you never know what the future may bring.
All of the Queen's residences will be decorated for the holiday season. She also donates Christmas trees to several schools and churches, including Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Giles' Cathedral, and the Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The Queen's Christmas tradition is a three-day event. It begins Christmas Eve, when the family exchanges gifts, following the tradition of their German ancestors on Prince Philip's side. On Christmas Day, the family attends morning church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
After church, the family returns home for a Christmas lunch. Following lunch, they gather to watch the Queen's annual televised Christmas address. The evening consists of a dinner buffet with 15 to 20 different delicacies prepared by the Queen's chef.
The following day is Boxing Day in the UK. The royals traditionally do a pheasant shoot on the grounds of Sandringham. In recent years, there have been calls to end the practice, which is something Meghan Markle has reportedly raised.
Harry, Meghan, and Archie will reportedly spend Christmas stateside with Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland. There have been mixed reports as to whether or not Prince William and Kate Middleton will be with the royal family or with Kate's family. As of most recently, it appears they will be with the Queen at Sandringham.
William and Kate are doing something else that's special this holiday season. They'll appear in an upcoming television special with British baking icon Mary Berry. A Berry Royal Christmas will air on Monday, December 16, at 8:30 p.m. on BBC One.
