The Queen says bye-bye to Buckingham.
Queen Elizabeth II has moved out of Buckingham Palace forever and into Windsor Castle, which is now her permanent home, main residence, and official address.
The 95-year-old monarch has lived at the palace for much of her 70-year reign.
More recently, since spending much of the pandemic to isolate with the Duke of Edinburgh, the Queen has come to prefer life at the castle.
Windsor Castle previously served only as the Queen’s weekend abode, as well as her residence for Easter and Royal Ascot week come June.
This month, the Queen had fulfilled her duties from Windsor, including holding virtual audiences and receiving guests of honor in-person such as Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.
The decision to relocate was partly due to the palace’s ongoing longtime renovation worth £369 million.
“The reservicing does not end until 2027… While ongoing, it is not really a place to stay long-term,” a royal source told the Times.
Closer to family
Moreover, Elizabeth spent her last days with her late husband, Prince Philip, at the castle.
“She has her memories with Prince Philip there, she has her ponies there, and family nearby. It makes sense,” royal author Berkshire Hugo Vickers said.
He was referring to the proximity of the Queen’s children and grandchildren: Prince Andrew (Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park), Prince Edward (Bagshot Park), and Princess Eugenie (Frogmore Cottage), among others.
The Windsor Castle has been a royal home and fortress for over 900 years. It is the largest occupied castle in the world and remains a working palace.
Banner Photo via The Royal Household website
