� IN FOCUS l LONDON & THE HOME COUNTIES
t’s estimated that more than one billion people will watch the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor Castle on May 19. The ceremony will be at St George’s Chapel, and their engagement photos were taken at Frogmore House in Windsor Home Park. Royal watchers will be out in force
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again in the autumn when Princess Eugenie marries Jack Brooksbank at St George’s Chapel. Julia White, visitor manager for
the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, said: “Harry and Meghan’s wedding will be one of global magnitude – we have had royal weddings here before but this one is stratospheric, thanks to its global recognition. “Judging by the press inquiries we are getting, there will be strong interest from the US and Canada – which have links with Meghan Markle – and China. We’re seeing an increase in Chinese couples who are engaged coming here for their pre-wedding photography. “Also, we have a lovely wedding venue
for civil ceremonies at Windsor Guildhall, which is where the ceremonies were held for Prince Charles and Camilla, and Elton John and David Furnish. We’re also hosting press trips and fam trips for people from France, Germany, Norway and Sweden.”
� Visitor influx The council is working with Royal Collection Trust – which facilitates the public opening of Windsor Castle, as well as other sites – to manage the influx of visitors expected over the peak season. “It will be very popular this year, so perhaps groups and operators can plan their visits slightly differently,” said White. “A lot of visitors arrive early in the morning, especially from London, so perhaps consider coming later in the day to ease the flows at the castle entrance. “There are longer waits to get into
24 TravelGBI | March 2018
Royal appointment
Windsor will be in the global spotlight this year with not one, but two royal weddings. Samantha Mayling looks at what’s on offer for visitors to the royal borough
the castle in the morning, so perhaps go to the castle later in the day during the peak season. “There is plenty elsewhere – there will
be royal themes at other local attractions such as Legoland Windsor, and groups also like to visit Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park and the National Trust property at Cliveden. Other options could be a river cruise with Bateaux Windsor or French Brothers.”
� Investment and openings As well as the buzz about the weddings, there is excitement about the opening of two five-star hotels – Monkey Island Estate and The Langley – and a multimillion-pound investment at Windsor Castle.
The Royal Collection Trust began
work in November 2017 to enlarge the Windsor Castle Admissions Centre, as part of a £27 million investment in the visitor experience. The castle will remain open to visitors
We have had royal weddings here before but this one is stratospheric, thanks to its global recognition
throughout the development work, which should be completed by the end of 2018. It will increase public access to the
ground floor of the State Apartments; reinstate the Georgian Entrance Hall; and create a learning centre, by the end of 2018. White was keen to highlight attractions and destinations beyond Windsor. “In the borough we also have Maidenhead; Legoland Windsor; Bray with its Michelin-starred restaurants; Ascot, which has a new garden show in
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© VisitEngland/Doug Harding
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