Christmas comes to Windsor with towering tree and tiny dolls’ house decorations

Windsor Castle is ready for the festive season with a towering, eco-friendly, living Christmas tree on show and, for the first time, miniature decorations in its famous dolls’ house.

A team of around six Royal Collection Trust staff has spent two days decorating the castle for visitors.

After its stay in the castle, the tree will be replanted in the park – an environmentally conscious move introduced a number of years ago during the late Queen’s reign.

Such is its size, some of the burgundy, red and gold baubles on the tree are as large as footballs, and its foil decorations span more than 50cm (20in) in diameter.

The dolls’ house is a 1:12 scale replica of an Edwardian residence and was given to Queen Mary, the King’s great-grandmother, as a gift from the nation following the First World War.

The decorations are made of materials including glass beads repurposed from vintage necklaces and tiny candles made with real wax.

The festive additions celebrate this year’s 100th anniversary of the dolls’ house, which is the largest and most famous in the world.

The dolls’ house’s new displays were made by floral designer and Royal Warrant holder Shane Connolly & Co.

In the Berkshire castle’s grounds, festive wreaths and foliage adorn the gates and lampposts, while garlands on the Grand Staircase greet visitors at the entrance to the State Apartments.

Another glittering Christmas tree, which stands at 4.5m, is in the Crimson Drawing Room – one of the most elaborate rooms in the royal residence.

It forms part of the Semi-State Rooms created as private apartments for George IV on the east side of the castle.

The Christmas display at Windsor Castle is open to the public from November 21 until January 6.

More information can be found at rct.uk and +44 (030) 123 7304.