Windsor Castle: A Living Monument of Royal Heritage Welcomes Visitors in 2025

Windsor Castle: The Crown Jewel of British Royal Heritage

Windsor Castle stands as a testament to nearly a millennium of British royal history, continuing its role as both a working royal palace and one of the United Kingdom’s most visited attractions. As the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle remains central to the royal family’s official duties whilst welcoming thousands of visitors throughout the year. In 2025, the historic fortress has hosted significant royal events and maintains its position as an essential symbol of British heritage and tradition.

Festive Celebrations and New Visitor Initiatives

The castle has embraced the festive season with spectacular Christmas decorations that showcase its grandeur. A towering, 20-foot-high Nordmann fir tree grown in Windsor Great Park is decked with over three thousand sparkling lights and shimmering green and gold ornaments in St George’s Hall, whilst the Crimson Drawing Room features another impressive display. In a significant move towards accessibility, £1 tickets are now available for visitors receiving Universal Credit and other named benefits to see the Christmas decorations at Windsor Castle, with up to six tickets available per household.

Royal Events and State Occasions

Windsor Castle continues to serve as a venue for important state functions. The King and Queen, and Members of the Royal Family, attended a service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, maintaining centuries-old traditions. The castle also hosted a prestigious State Visit in September 2025, when US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump spent the day at Windsor Castle on their historic second state visit to Britain, demonstrating the castle’s ongoing diplomatic importance.

A Living Palace with Modern Relevance

A Royal home and fortress for over 900 years, Windsor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world, remains a working palace today. The castle is used for investitures, royal audiences, and receptions in the magnificent St George’s Hall. With standard admission tickets ranging from £16 to £36 depending on age and booking time, the castle offers visitors access to the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s famous dolls’ house. As 2025 progresses, Windsor Castle continues to balance its roles as a working royal residence, historical monument, and public attraction, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations whilst adapting to contemporary needs.