22 May 2024 , 04:43
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King Charles has revealed his intention to break a 200 year old tradition at Windsor Castle, by scrapping free admission to the historic site for local residents. Up until now, anyone living in and around Windsor had been permitted to visit the royal site for free, a practice that began in 1825 and has continued for almost two centuries.
Yet as of June 1 2024, the free admission rule will now no longer stand, with the scheme replaced instead by a discounted fee of £16. According to the BBC, the Royal Collection Trust will instead implement a discounted fee, reducing regular admission by half, for residents with a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card.
The card, which can be applied for online, is free for Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead residents and offers over 200 offers and discounts to access local amenities and days out in the area.
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Windsor locals will no longer be allowed to access the iconic castle for free, following the end of a 200 year old tradition (AFP via Getty Images)However, the news hasn’t gone down well with locals in the area, with strong opposition being levelled by politicians too, including Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Julian Tisi who said: “During the season, residents gladly welcome tourists to their shops and restaurants, they drive them around in taxis and are happy to give directions in the street.
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“In return, we get to live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world – and visit when we choose.”
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The 1000 year old fortress which is located in Berkshire is just one of several royal residences maintained by the royal family, and although it is a working palace, remains open to the public throughout the year. Widely considered by locals to be “our neighbours”, Windsor Castle has always affectionately been dubbed the “Big House on the Hill” which makes the decision to potentially price people out of visiting a point of contention.
Balmoral Castle is due to launch tours for the public this Summer (Getty)However, A Royal Collection Trust spokesperson has assured residents that it “regularly" reviews its pricing structure and will actively be working to make sure under-represented groups aren’t denied access to the historic location.
They said: “We are continuing to explore ways to make the Castle as accessible as possible to visitors from the local area, with current initiatives, including free visits for community organisations working with under-represented groups, and a travel subsidy and access scheme for schools working with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”
The latest decision to scrap free admission is just one of many new modernisation efforts made by the King, following his coronation last May.
Alongside Windsor’s new admission frees , the monarch also intends to open Balmoral Castle to the public for scheduled tours throughout the Summer period. Scheduled to take place from July 1 to August 4, the new tours will take visitors on a whirlwind journey through time to view the rooms as used by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert back in the 19th century, before seeing how Charles and Camilla use them today.