Windsor Castle Tour: A Guide to the Hometown of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

With their new royal baby, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have firmly established their home in Windsor.

Frogmore House, their private residence, is generally closed to the public, so the chances of seeing the royal baby are slim. However, Windsor Castle, a major draw for visitors, offers a glimpse into the royal lifestyle.

Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest continuously inhabited castle in the world, serves as an official residence for Queen Elizabeth II, who often spends her weekends there. While it’s unlikely to spot the Queen walking through the halls in her housecoat, the Royal Standard flag flying from the Round Tower signals her presence.

As per royal sources, Harry and Meghan chose Windsor Castle as their wedding venue because it holds a special meaning for both of them.

Dating back to around 1070, Windsor Castle was initially chosen by William the Conqueror for construction. Over the centuries, it has undergone numerous renovations, including major upgrades by Edward III in the 14th century and significant restoration efforts following a destructive fire in 1992.

When visiting, plan to spend two to three hours exploring Windsor Castle, taking in the various sections that are open to the public.

The main attraction

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding took place in St George’s Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece within Windsor Castle that has stood since the 14th century.

St George’s Chapel is not only a stunning piece of architecture but also the final resting place of 10 British monarchs, including the famous Henry VIII.

If you're eager to see the location where the couple exchanged vows, you’ll be pleased to know that entry to St George’s Chapel is included in your Windsor Castle ticket. However, check the Windsor Castle website to ensure the chapel is open during your visit, as it may be closed for special events.

Unmissable Highlights

One of the most popular attractions is Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, an astonishingly detailed miniature house complete with electric lighting, running water, and even a functioning toilet.

The State Apartments are a testament to luxury, from their vaulted ceilings to the priceless Rembrandt on the wall. (Note that the Semi-State Rooms are only accessible to the public between September and March.)

Since Windsor Castle remains an active royal residence, some areas may be closed throughout the year. Be sure to check the website for details on closures. If you're planning to see the Changing of the Guard, arrive early, as it starts promptly at 11 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays in April 2018 (weather permitting).

If visiting Windsor Castle isn't your top priority, consider arriving a bit later. The castle tends to get extremely crowded, especially in the summer, and by afternoon, the crowds have usually thinned out.

Alternatively, take the morning to enjoy The Long Walk, a 3-mile path through Windsor Great Park offering one of the best views of the castle (accessed through Cambridge Gate).

Be sure to set aside time to discover Windsor, a charming town in England. You can even follow in the footsteps of Meghan and Harry, who famously rode through the streets of Windsor in a carriage after their wedding ceremony.

Windsor is easily accessible from London by train. You can catch a service from Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central (with a transfer in Slough), or take a train from Waterloo to Windsor & Eton Riverside, with the castle just a 10-minute walk from there.