The History of the Royal Christmas Tree at Windsor Castle

Some people believe that the holiday season doesn't officially start in England until every hall at Windsor Castle is fully decked out. Each year in November, the Royal Collection Trust decorates the almost century-old royal residence with fragrant garlands, thousands of colorful lights, and a breathtaking Christmas tree located in St George’s Hall—and this year's beauty is truly something magical. The 20-feet-tall Nordmann Fir tree, which was sustainably grown and harvested at Windsor Great Park, features hundreds of twinkling light towers and is topped with a star marking the 675th anniversary of the Order of the Garter (the oldest order of chivalry in Britain).

With so much time spent dressing up the castle, it may come as a shock to find out that King Charles will be spending Christmas at Sandringham Estate. However, the stunning decorations at Windsor Castle have long been a tradition in the royal family that traces back to the reign of King George III.

Legend has it that Queen Charlotte, who was raised in Germany, adored her home country's custom of setting up a yew branch in the house at Christmas. While this ritual was typically private, Queen Charlotte decided to make it a public celebration in 1800 that both the royal family and members of the court could attend.

The queen and her ladies-in-waiting worked together to decorate the festive yew bough in one of the most spectacular rooms at Windsor Castle in time for the party. Dr. John Watkins, one of Queen Charlotte’s biographers, described the magical scene in Memoirs of Her Most Excellent Majesty Sophia-Charlotte:

"In the middle of the room stood an immense tub with a yew tree placed in it, from the branches of which hung bunches of sweetmeats, almonds, and raisins in papers, fruits and toys, most tastefully arranged, and the whole illuminated by small wax candles. After the company had walked around and admired the tree, each child obtained a portion of the sweets which it bore together with a toy and then all returned home, quite delighted."

From that night on, Christmas trees became a holiday must for members of high society and the royal family. However, much of the general public in England did not adopt it until Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, began encouraging others to partake in the Christmas tradition. During the 1840s, Albert traveled to different schools and Army barracks across the country and presented them with their own trees to decorate.

He also worked with local newspapers and magazines, like Illustrated London News and Cassell’s Magazine, to publish detailed descriptions of the royal decorations and trees displayed at Windsor and other palaces. By the 1850s, decorating Christmas trees became a beloved tradition celebrated by the masses in Britain.

Throughout the centuries, the royal family has continued erecting multiple trees throughout Windsor Castle grounds as a part of the holidays. Along with the impressive garlands and light displays, the Royal Collection Trust also puts together the displays for visitors to learn more about the monarchy.

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