The Queen Makes Windsor Castle Her Permanent Home

Queen Elizabeth II has made the decision to permanently reside at Windsor Castle, according to a report by Royal Editor Roy Nickar of the Sunday Times.

The 95-year-old monarch, who has spent most of her 70-year reign at Buckingham Palace, now prefers the peaceful life at Windsor Castle.

Over the past two years, she has spent a significant amount of time there, isolating with Prince Philip at the beginning of the pandemic.

Sources reveal that during this period, the couple rediscovered the happiness they experienced in their earlier years together, leading the Queen to develop a preference for life in Windsor.

Renowned royal author Hugo Vickers shared with the Sunday Times that Windsor holds a special place in the Queen's heart.

It is where she has cherished memories with Prince Philip, her ponies, and her family nearby.

Moreover, Windsor is closer to two of her four children.

Prince Andrew resides at Row Lodge on the Windsor estate, while Prince Edward and his wife Sophie Wessex are just a short 10-mile drive away at Bagshot Park.

Prince Charles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Princess Royal also frequently visit the Queen at Windsor.

Due to recent health concerns, including her battle with Covid-19 and mobility issues, Her Majesty has decided to make Windsor Castle her official residence.

Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing renovations, which are expected to be completed in 2027.

Initially, it was planned that the Queen would temporarily move out of her private apartments during the renovations.

However, it has now been determined that she will permanently vacate the palace to minimize her travel.

Additionally, Buckingham Palace is no longer deemed suitable as a long-term home, as reported by the Times.

It is understood that the Queen will conduct her official duties from her home at Windsor Castle.

Dignitaries and officials are expected to meet her there as well.

Despite the challenges she has faced, the record-breaking monarch will celebrate her 96th birthday this year and continues to find solace in her work following the death of Prince Philip.

However, on medical advice, she was advised to slow down in October of last year.

This led to a decrease in her public appearances, with a recent cancellation of several engagements due to mild cold-like symptoms after contracting the Covid virus.

The Queen's next planned engagement outside Windsor Castle is the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.

This will be her first official event away from a royal residence in five months.

She is also expected to attend a service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip at the Abbey on March 29, along with other members of the royal family.

Additionally, preparations are underway for a four-day period of national celebrations in June, marking her platinum jubilee.

The events will include a platinum party at the palace and a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral.

With the Queen permanently residing at Windsor Castle, it is anticipated that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall will be the next members of the royal family to take up residence at Buckingham Palace as the King and Queen consort.

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of British sovereigns since 1837.

Despite its grandeur, the Queen often preferred a less lavish way of life while in residence.

In 2003, an undercover tabloid reporter revealed that her breakfast table was simply laid with cereal in Tupperware.

Buckingham Palace boasts an impressive 775 rooms, including a gallery, stunning gardens, and a ballroom.

In October 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were photographed in the throne room with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his wife Alina.

The room exuded regality with its red and gold furnishings and a magnificent marble fireplace.

The palace ballroom, which has hosted guests and state dinners, features similar decor to the throne room, with red carpets and a central white horseshoe table.

The white drawing room, where the Queen traditionally delivers her annual Christmas Day speech, is truly spectacular with its white walls, gold borders, and red and cream carpets.

As the Queen embraces Windsor Castle as her permanent home, the future of Buckingham Palace will see Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall taking on the role of King and Queen consort.

However, the legacy of Buckingham Palace as the official London residence of British sovereigns will endure.

While the Queen appreciates its grandeur, she has found solace in the tranquility of Windsor Castle, where she can cherish her memories and be closer to her loved ones.