Windsor Castle A Royal Year -The Four Seasons 464
TLDROver a year, exclusive access to Windsor Castle reveals the Queen's favorite home, showcasing royal ceremonies, history, and traditions. The documentary highlights the 300 staff members' roles, from cleaning and grooming horses to preparing banquets. It covers private family moments, public events, and the Queen's deep connection to Windsor. The castle's rich history, traditions, and annual rituals, like Garter Day and Royal Ascot, are detailed, emphasizing Windsor's enduring significance and its vibrant, living community.
Takeaways
- π° Windsor Castle is the Queen's favorite home and has been the setting for over 1,000 years of royal history, ceremonies, and traditions.
- π The Queen is deeply devoted to Windsor Castle, considering it a constant in her life and a fixed point in her yearly calendar.
- π The castle is not merely a museum but a living, working environment for the 300 staff members who maintain it and serve the royal family.
- π₯ This documentary provides exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes world of the castle, revealing its secrets and the daily lives of its inhabitants.
- π The Queen has a strong connection with horses, training and keeping them at Windsor, and taking a keen interest in their lineage and well-being.
- π© Garter Day is a significant and ancient event at Windsor Castle, involving a procession of the Queen and her hand-picked Knights of the Garter.
- π The Royal Ascot is a major social and racing event, attracting a large crowd and known for its extravagant fashion and the Queen's participation.
- πΌ The changing of the guard is a ceremonial tradition that serves both as a tourist attraction and a security measure for the monarch.
- π° The castle's clockmaker is responsible for maintaining the 450 clocks across the estate, including adjusting them for daylight saving time.
- π½οΈ The household staff pays meticulous attention to detail, from the arrangement of flowers to the folding of napkins, especially for royal events.
- 𧣠The Irish Guards are part of the castle's community, bringing a sense of history and tradition to their role as protectors of the Queen and the castle.
Q & A
What is the significance of Windsor Castle to Queen Elizabeth II?
-Windsor Castle is the Queen's favorite home, offering security, familiarity, and a fixed point in her year amidst an extraordinary calendar of events and traditions.
How many staff members work and live at Windsor Castle?
-Approximately 300 staff members serve at Windsor Castle, maintaining the state apartments, tending to fireplaces, grooming horses, and preparing banquets.
What role does the member of the royal family, who has been the ranger of the Great Park for over 50 years, play in the Windsor Castle's events?
-The member of the royal family, specifically Prince Philip, has been involved in the management and improvements of the castle grounds, including the redesign of the rose beds and the creation of a pergola for the unused Orangery.
What is the significance of the Garter Day at Windsor Castle?
-Garter Day is a colorful and ancient ritual where the Queen and her hand-picked Knights of the Garter participate in a velvet robe procession, celebrating the order founded by Edward III in 1348.
What is the role of the Queen's Master of Ceremonies during Garter Day?
-The Queen's Master of Ceremonies, such as Colonel Sir Malcolm Ross, is responsible for ensuring the Garter procession is flawless, managing the rehearsals and the procession itself.
What is the significance of the Order of the Garter in the context of British tradition?
-The Order of the Garter is the senior British order of chivalry and represents an important part of English identity and tradition, with its roots dating back to the 14th century.
What is the role of the military Knights of Windsor in the castle?
-The military Knights of Windsor are a group of distinguished retired soldiers who lend dignity to events, primarily tasked with praying for the monarch and participating in ceremonial duties.
What is the significance of the Windsor Greys in the royal mews?
-The Windsor Greys are a breed of horses that are trained to pull royal carriages at state occasions, forming an important part of the royal mews and ceremonial events.
What is the role of the Stud Groom in the royal stables?
-The Stud Groom, such as Terry Pendry, is in charge of all the Queen's horses at the castle, ensuring they are well cared for and prepared for the Queen's riding and ceremonial events.
How does the changing of the guard ceremony at Windsor Castle serve both tradition and tourism?
-The changing of the guard is a historic ritual that showcases the tradition of the army and serves as an important tourist attraction, drawing visitors who are interested in witnessing this famous ceremony.
What is the significance of the Royal Ascot event in the royal calendar?
-Royal Ascot is the biggest event in the British racing calendar, attracting over 300,000 people each year, and is known for its elegant fashion and tradition, including the presence of the royal family.
Outlines
π° Behind the Scenes at Windsor Castle
Over the course of a year, the video provides exclusive access to the hidden world of Windsor Castle. It delves into royal ceremonies, historical traditions, and the daily lives of the 300 staff members who maintain the castle, tend to the Queen's needs, and prepare for various events. The video also highlights the personal connection of the Queen to Windsor, showcasing its significance in her life and the intricate calendar of events that punctuate the year.
πΉ Prince Philip's Garden Innovations
Prince Philip discusses the evolution of the castle's garden, detailing how he redesigned the layout for better management and aesthetic appeal. He recalls past uses of the Orangery, including as a swimming pool, and the garden's role in family gatherings during Easter. The segment illustrates the practical and sentimental aspects of the garden's development and its ongoing importance to the royal family.
π Windsor's Garter Day and Military Traditions
The narrative moves to Garter Day, a historic and colorful ceremony at Windsor Castle. The preparations involve various members of the royal household and military personnel ensuring everything is perfect for the event. The video emphasizes the importance of protocol, rehearsal, and tradition, showcasing the dedication and effort required to maintain these ancient customs.
π The Grandeur of the Garter Day Ceremony
As Garter Day approaches, the focus shifts to the meticulous preparations for the grand procession and the accompanying lunch. The segment highlights the intricate details, from the folding of napkins to the arrangement of flowers, and the participation of esteemed figures like Sir Edmund Hillary. The commitment to upholding tradition and the honor associated with the Garter Knights are underscored.
π© Royal Ascot and Windsor Grays
The video captures the excitement and pageantry of Royal Ascot, emphasizing the importance of fashion and the involvement of the Windsor Grays. It showcases the meticulous preparations for the event and the enthusiasm of the attendees. The Queen's participation and the anticipation around her horses' performance add a personal touch to this grand spectacle.
π Ascot Highlights and Racing Traditions
Continuing with Royal Ascot, the narrative follows the preparation and performance of the Queen's horses. It provides insights into the personal stakes for the Queen and her trainer, Sir Michael Stout. The segment captures the excitement of the races and the unique traditions that define Ascot, from fashion statements to the ceremonial roles of the Windsor Grays.
π° The Changing Guard and Windsor Life
This part of the video focuses on the daily routines and ceremonial duties of the guards at Windsor Castle. It provides a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers, their connection to Windsor, and their role in protecting the monarch. The segment also touches on the personal stories of the guards, highlighting their sense of duty and the honor of serving at Windsor.
π³ The Windsor Community and Castle Life
The narrative shifts to the broader Windsor community, illustrating the sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility among those who live and work in the castle. From summer barbecues hosted by the governor to the intricate task of maintaining the castle clocks, the video showcases the daily life and the enduring traditions that make Windsor a living, breathing institution.
π°οΈ Keeping Time at Windsor Castle
Clockmaker Steve Davidson's meticulous work in maintaining Windsor Castle's 450 clocks is highlighted. The segment delves into the challenges and rewards of ensuring that these historic timepieces function accurately. It provides a unique perspective on the importance of punctuality in the royal household and the effort required to keep the castle running smoothly.
π Festive Traditions and Reflections
As the year draws to a close, the video captures the festive spirit at Windsor Castle. From gathering the Christmas tree to carol singing, the segment reflects on the community's efforts to celebrate and uphold traditions. It also touches on the poignant moments, such as the private funeral for Princess Alice, underscoring the castle's role as a place of both joy and solemnity.
πΌ Windsor's Year-End Rituals
The final part of the video encapsulates the seasonal activities and preparations for the New Year at Windsor Castle. It highlights the enduring traditions, the sense of continuity, and the castle's significance as a constant in the lives of the royal family and the wider community. The segment emphasizes the castle's living history and its importance as a symbol of stability and heritage.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Windsor Castle
π‘Royal Ceremony
π‘Garter Day
π‘State Apartments
π‘St. George's Chapel
π‘Windsor Great Park
π‘Royal Household Staff
π‘Order of the Garter
π‘Royal Ascot
π‘Queen's Guard
Highlights
Exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes world of Windsor Castle, the Queen's favorite home.
Introduction to the 300 staff members who serve the monarchy and maintain the castle.
A look at the royal family member who has been the ranger of the Great Park for over 50 years.
Windsor Castle's history spanning 1,000 years and its significance to the royal family.
The castle's role as a constant in the Queen's life amidst changing times.
Insider view of the Queen's daily official engagements conducted from Windsor during Easter court.
The relationship between the Queen and her horses, and her personal involvement in their care.
Garter Day, a colorful and ancient castle ritual with a velvet robe procession.
The responsibilities of the Queen's Master of Ceremonies during Garter Day.
Preparations for the traditional Garter Day lunch in the Waterloo chamber.
The role of the military Knights of Windsor in the castle's events and their dedication.
The Queen's personal interest in her horses, knowing their lineage and naming them herself.
The training and preparation of the Windsor Greys for ceremonial duties.
Royal Ascot, a major event in the racing calendar, and its significance to the Queen.
The Queen's participation in the Royal Ascot with her own runner in the race.
The changing of the guard ceremony at Windsor Castle and its importance to the castle's security.
The Governor of the Castle's role during the royal family's absence, maintaining the community spirit.
The castle's clockmaker's task of maintaining the 450 existing clocks across the estate.
The impact of the Queen's presence on the community and the operation of the castle.
The bell ringers marking important dates in the royal year with their efforts appreciated by the family.
The Queen's autumn return to Windsor and the private funeral of Princess Alice of Gloucester.
The preparation for Christmas at Windsor Castle, emphasizing the castle's role as a living organism.
Transcripts
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