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The Queen and Prince Philip have decided to spend Christmas at Windsor Castle this year and have chosen not to form a bubble with any other household. Although this year will be markedly different from the norm, the monarch will be surrounded by twinkling lights, festive garlands and beautifully decorated trees as the royal household has been busy installing Christmas decorations.
Staff at Windsor Castle have been working hard to get the royal residence ready for the building to reopen to visitors from Thursday.
A stunning 20 foot Norwegian spruce top has been placed in historic St George’s Hall, the largest hall in the castle.
The tree, which was taken in the grounds of Windsor Great Park, was dressed in 3,000 lights of iridescent glass and decorated with delicate red and gold mirrored ornaments.
Another large tree has been placed in the inner hall of the castle, which is also adorned with the same festive colors.
Three smaller trees line the Queen’s Gallery, decorated with glittering gold ornaments.
A final tree can be found in the admissions center.
Festive garlands also cover the Grand Staircase, decorating the impressive armor.
The staff also gave a nod to the bicentennial of George IV’s accession to the throne in 1820, setting up the State Dining Room with its Grand Service in vermeil.
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The Queen traditionally spends Christmas with her close family in Sandringham.
But this year, the royals decided to forgo the festivities and stay at Windsor Castle.
They decided not to bubble with two other households, as authorized by the Prime Minister for the period from December 23 to 27.
The royals hope her decision to spend the day apart will inspire others to carefully celebrate the holiday season, even as the rules have been relaxed so households can mingle.
A palace spokesperson said: “After considering all the relevant advice, the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas in Windsor quietly.”
The Queen will still spend time chatting virtually with other royals, as she has done throughout the lockdown.
Boris Johnson said last week that a maximum of three households could create a Christmas bubble from December 23-27.
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