King Charles changes : A 200-year-old tradition is changing in the area around Windsor Castle and the reactions are already many.
Residents living near Windsor Castle are in for a big disappointment as from June 1, 2024 , free entry to the area will cease by royal decree. The move has been criticized by locals who claim they « deserve more than a -50% discount for the tourists they have welcomed to their town over the years.
King Charles changes: The discount for entry to Windsor is over
The Royal Collection Trust is ending the long-standing privilege, which offered free entry to locals with a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card, while cardholders will now have to pay a discounted ticket to the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle 50%, bringing the cost to £15 or £16.50 per day, with free entry for one child under 17.
King Charles uses the 1,000-year-old fortress in Berkshire as one of his official residences and the castle also hosts state visits, but is also open to the public throughout the year.
The Windsor area, and specifically the castle, is visited by millions of people from all over the world and the residents happily welcome tourists in their shops and restaurants, give them taxis and are happy to give directions on the streets.
Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead councilor Amy Tisi said she was shocked that the free entry offer had been withdrawn without consultation.
“We consider those in the castle to be our neighbors and we want to work with them to ensure that no resident is priced out of visiting there. In return, we live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world and visit whenever we choose. »
The two organizations that had free access to the castle have requested an urgent meeting with the Palace, while a spokesman for the Royal Collection Trust said of the change:
“We regularly check our prices against other industry organizations and based on this, we update our current Advantage Card offer to be in line with other businesses in the borough.
Royal Controversy King Charles Alters Windsor Castle Rules
We continue to explore ways to make the Castle as accessible as possible to visitors from the area, with our current initiatives including free visits for community organizations working with specific groups and a travel and access grant scheme for schools working with children who are economically disadvantaged, » explaining how benefits were given to people who needed it most based on their income criteria.
Proceeds from castle admissions go directly to the Royal Collection Trust, the charity that cares for the Royal Collection and works to promote access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational programmes.
King Charles changes : New pricing
Adult tickets to Windsor Castle cost £30 per person, while 18-24 year olds can buy advance tickets for £19.50. Children (5-17) and disabled tickets cost £15 and accompanying access tickets and under-five tickets are free.
Which members of the royal family live at Windsor Estate?
King Charles now spends more time at the Castle, which allows him to see some of his grandchildren, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, even more often.
The incredible 13 acres combine a palace and a small town while Windsor Castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world, as well as the largest occupied palace in Europe and remains a functioning royal residence.
Near Windsor is Adelaide Cottage, the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton, while Frogmore Cottage, the home of Harry and Meghan, was also located there. Prince Andrew lives there with Fergie in the famous Royal Lodge since 2004, while Prince Harry married Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenia married Jack Brooksbank in Windsor Chapel in 2018.
