Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is just one hour to the west of London, and is where the Queen often goes for her weekends.  It was originally built in the 11th century, and is the oldest continuously occupied palace in Europe.  It is surrounded by the busy town of Windsor, and is close to the Thames.  A hydroelectric station on the Thames provides it with power.  Today about 1 million tourists go through the castle each year, this year including us.

The beautiful lawn outside Windor Castle

The Queen's Standard indicates she is in residence at the castle.

 The Queen was home, but unfortunately we were busy so she will have to wait until next time to meet us.

We accidently got an invitation in St George's Chapel, which was otherwise closed to tourists because they were having a church service.  It seems a few lucky passers-by get invited in if there are spare seats!  No photographs are allowed, so here's one I found which shows the chapel.

All the helmets and flags of the Knights of the Garter are mounted around the walls above, and we had those Knights present, in their full regalia and with their ladies in fancy hats.  We were in the top row just behind the choir (left foreground in this photo).  The singing was fantastic.  The minister's sermon included prayers for Britain, following the shock "Brexit" vote!

After the 45 minute service the Knights solemnly marched out in unison, and through the tourist crowds outside back to their houses just opposite.  If you are a Knight of the Garter you get a house within Windsor Castle.  Here they are outside the chapel (again not my photo):

The modern Military Knights of the Garter

Windsor Castle is under the approach path to Heathrow Airport so a huge airliner roars overhead every three minutes or so.

This photo also shows some of the various animals which stand on top of the chapel holding lightning conductors!