Winter at Windsor Castle

The Semi-State Rooms at Windsor Castle are open for you to explore this winter. When he remodelled the Castle in the 1820s, George IV decided not to live in the existing north-facing royal apartments and instead created a new suit of sunnier rooms that looked east and south. This was George IV’s last and greatest commission, and one of the most lavish and costly interior decoration schemes ever carried out in England. The Semi-State Rooms blend the Classical, Gothic and Rococo styles in a dazzling series of spaces, complete with specially designed furniture and furnishings. Always over budget, the project was only just completed at the time of King’s death in 1830. Among the many designers and craftsmen who worked on the scheme was the 15-year-old AWN Pugin, who was employed by the principal furniture suppliers, Morel and Seddon. Today, these rooms are used by The Queen for official entertaining.

 Plan your visit to Windsor Castle this winter

Image credits: Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2021
Crimson Drawing Room: Photographer Peter Smith