39 MONARCHS, TEN CENTURIES – AND ONE ANNUS HORRIBILIS
It would bring them closer to Queen as they prepare for senior role at heart of The Firm
THE oldest and largest occupied castle on the planet, Windsor Castle, right, is the place where the Queen feels most at home.
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th Century, it has been home to 39 monarchs.
As a young Princess Elizabeth, the Queen and her sister Margaret spent the war years at Windsor and from here made their first radio address to wish British children ‘goodnight and good luck’ during the war.
Last year, the Queen recorded a rousing television address to the nation during the coronavirus pandemic from the castle’s White Room. For once, with flights suspended during the lockdown, the message did not have to be timed to avoid the sound of aircraft taking off and landing at Heathrow Airport.
The castle has also been a labour of love for the Windsors.
When fire tore through it in November 1992 – a year the Queen described as her ‘annus horribilis’ – it damaged 115 rooms, including nine state rooms. Aides joined a human chain to pass priceless works of art out to safety. Prince Philip was instrumental in the Castle’s recovery, leading a restoration committee which raised funds for the costly and delicate repairs by opening up Buckingham Palace to the public.
In the new chapel, he installed a stained-glass window which commemorates the events of that night and those who fought to bring the fire under control.
It shows firefighters battling the blaze, one carrying a painting to safety, while St George slays the dragon with smoke billowing behind him.
Until his death in April, Philip held the role of Ranger of Windsor Great Park and was often seen out carriage-driving.
Visitors to the park may still catch a glimpse of the Duke’s familiar green carriage – now driven by his granddaughter Lady Louise, who is an accomplished driver in her own right.