Windsor Red ER Post Box

Posted: Wed 14 March 2012 at 12:52

Windsor Red ER Post Box, a photo by Rovers number 9 on Flickr.

Lovely shot of the Post Boxes outside Windsor Castle.

Love is in the Air

Posted: Thu 23 February 2012 at 15:22

Windsor Wheel Following hot on the heels of Valentines Day, this year February 29th offers girls the advantage of being a Leap Year. Traditionally on this day usual laws were suspended including the rule that only men were allowed to propose. This meant that just once every four years women got the chance to pop the question. Custom also dictated that if he turned you down he had to buy you an expensive gift – it’s a win-win situation! If you’re thinking of taking the plunge this Leap Year here’s our guide to Windsor’s most romantic locations.

- Snow Hill in front of the Copper Horse – Take a stroll down the Long Walk heading up to the Copper Horse, with breath-taking views across Windsor and the distant Castle.
- River Boat Cruise – Suggest a delightful trip along the River Thames and soak up the stunning backdrops of Windsor Castle and Eton College.
- VIP Champagne Ride on the Royal Windsor Wheel – Enjoy the panoramic views from Alexander Gardens across Berkshire and all the way to London as you get down on one knee.
- Horse-drawn Carriage in Windsor Great Park – Surprise your loved one with a horse drawn carriage through the park, champagne and roses optional.
- The Pink Bench at Ascot Racecourse – The tradition of proposing on the Pink Bench dates back to the Regency period and has the added advantage of great odds for an acceptance.

Continuing the wedding theme, this coming Sunday 26^th February Windsor is playing host to its first ever Windsor Wedding Fayre. The event will be jointly hosted by The Macdonald Windsor, Harte and Garter and Mercure Castle Hotels and promises to offer a fabulous showcase of banqueting suites and bridal packages. There will also be tours of the famous Windsor Guildhall – wedding venue to Royalty and Celebs including Prince Charles & Camilla and Sir Elton John & David Furnish. To register your interest or book an exclusive viewing email windsorweddingfayre@macdonald-hotels.co.uk

part of Windsor Castle

If you would like to visit Windsor whether to make a proposal or to make wedding plans you can book a stay with Accommodation Windsor Limited for short stay apartments in Windsor and Eton. Likewise, Alma House Bed and Breakfast has a special offer during February and March if you book 2 nights together over the weekend your stay will be reduced and includes a free bottle of wine and box of chocolates to get you off to the perfect start.

Many thanks to superb Wedding Photographers Plenty to Declare for sharing their lovely photos with us.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

Posted: Wed 8 February 2012 at 13:11

Queen Elizabeth was born on 21^st April 1926 in Mayfair, London and at the time third in line to the British throne after Edward, Prince of Wales and her father, The Duke of York. She spent her earliest years at Whitelodge in Richmond Park before moving with her family to the Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park at the age of 6. Here Princess Elizabeth was presented with her own house called The Little Cottage which was given to her by the People of Wales.

When her grandfather, King George V died in 1936 her Uncle took the throne of England as King Edward VIII but within a year, and amidst much scandal he abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson who was a divorcee. At this point Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, was crowned and Princess Elizabeth became next in line to the British throne. Throughout her childhood years Princess Elizabeth was home schooled by her father on topics such as Politics and History to prepare her for the life she had ahead. She was also educated on religion by The Arch Bishop of Canterbury.

During the Blitz Elizabeth and her family sought safety and refuge at Windsor Castle where they spent most of the War years. Whilst the country was still recovering from the devastation caused by WWII Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey on 20 November 1947. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have now been married over 64 years and they have four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In the 1950s her fathers health began slowly deteriorating until his death on Wednesday, 6 February 1952. Elizabeth was in Kenya on a royal visit when she received the news and immediately flew back to England as the new Queen. Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. The procession was viewed by crowds of people and the ceremony was broadcast over the radio across the world.

During her reign Queen Elizabeth II has seen many changes in the world including the first man on the Moon, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the invention of modern television, mobile phones and internet. She is an avid animal lover who has taken a keen interest in the breeding of both dogs and horses. It is also less known that she has an interest in Scottish country dancing and performs each year at Balmoral Castle to neighbours, staff members and the local community.

The Queen celebrated her Golden Jubilee, a milestone to mark the 50^th year of her reign in 2002, and a large number of people threw street parties, garden parties and many other events to celebrate with her. Now the country is looking forward to celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee this summer to commemorate 60 years since her Coronation. The only other Monarch in British history to have celebrated their Diamond Jubilee is Queen Victoria who at the moment holds the title of longest ruling Monarch after her reign of 63 years.

The Diamond Jubilee Central Weekend takes place over four days in June 2012, celebrating 60 years of The Queens reign, see the diary of events below.