Starting this Saturday (August 8, 2020), Queen Elizabeth II is opening up the grounds of Windsor Castle to the public for the first time since the 1970s. Until the end of September, the gardens of the 950-year-old castle will be open for visitors, who will get to explore the location of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2018 fairytale wedding.
The Queen is opening up Windsor Castle Gardens to the public
Until the end of September, anyone can walk through the East Terrace Garden of Windsor Castle. The large formal garden was created by King George IV as a secluded retreat back in the 1820s and it is overlooked by the castle's historic east facade and offers "clipped domes of yew and flowerbeds containing 3,500 rose bushes planted in a geometric pattern around a central fountain," according to a release from the Royal Collections Trust.
The bronze lotus fountain mentioned above was actually created based on a design by Prince Philip from 1971. Richard Williams, Curator at the Royal Collection Trust told HELLO!: "This is the first time visitors can enter or walk through the garden for more than 40 years. It’s the least known part of the Castle, on the most private side and [it's important] because of the historical stories associated with it and its significance to the Queen and her family."
During the times of World War II, the young Princess Elizabeth and her sister Princess Margaret were actually granted a small plot in the garden to grow tomatoes, dwarf beans, and sweetcorn.
While the East Terrace Garden sure is the main attraction, the castle's secluded Moat Garden is also open for guided tours and picnics on Thursdays and Fridays, giving all visitors a spectacular view over the surrounding area from the Motte. The informal Moat Garden is situated beneath the iconic Round Tower and was created during the time of Edward III - many believe that it actually inspired Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale", the first of The Canterbury Tales.
After spending four long months at Windsor Castle during the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queen and Prince Philip left for Balmoral Castle last week. Until they return from their summer holiday at the end of September, Windsor Castle Castle Gardens will be open to the public!
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