Who Lives in Windsor Castle? Rulers Who Ever Lived in Britain’s Oldest Royal Home

History cannot be hidden within walls as grand as Windsor Castle, and walking through its massive gates with our My Tailored Tours group, I could see how much life this place has witnessed over nearly a thousand years. As we wandered past the towers, courtyards, and quiet corners, I found myself thinking about who lives in Windsor Castle today and how generations of kings and queens shaped the story of Britain from this very spot.

With over a million visitors a year, it’s easy to see why people from all over the world are drawn here, when every hall, every chapel seems to carry a memory waiting to be discovered. As A. N. Wilson once observed, “I believe the collapse of the House of Windsor is tied in with the collapse of the Church of England,” which made seeing the castle in person seem even more profound and connected to history.

So, as you continue to walk through this blog post, we’ll take a journey through time, look into the early rulers, the medieval monarchs, the Tudors, the Stuarts, and the modern royal family. Through all these, we will uncover the stories, ceremonies, and secrets that make Windsor Castle not just a palace, but a living piece of Britain’s history.

Early Rulers Who Lived in Windsor Castle

Windsor was built by William the Conqueror around 1070 to secure his new kingdom. It was high on a hill with views of the Thames, and hence perfect for keeping an eye on who lives in Windsor Castle and what’s happening in the surrounding lands. 

Henry I (1068–1135)

Henry I, the fourth son of William the Conqueror, expanded the castle to make it livable and added chambers where he could hold court and meet his advisors. 

Henry II (1133–1189) 

Henry II, the eldest son of Geoffrey of Anjou and Matilda of England, took it a step further, and the castle became a place for governance. He worked on laws that would guide England for many years, and Windsor became a steady and reliable home where he could rule and make important decisions. This long history adds meaning when you think about who lives in Windsor Castle in later centuries. 

Medieval Monarchs Who Resided at Windsor Castle

So, now coming to the Middle Ages, which was between the 5th and 15th centuries, Windsor grew bigger and more impressive as kings added towers, halls, and gardens. 

Edward III (1312–1377)

Edward III, eldest son of Edward II, was brave in battle and loved the arts. He used Windsor Castle as a base during the Hundred Years’ War. 

Moreover, as we read more about him, he created the Order of the Garter, which, as England’s most famous knights’ order, celebrates loyalty, bravery, and service while starting a lasting royal tradition.

Richard II (1367–1400)

Richard II, son of the Black Prince, was indulged deeply in art, culture, and architecture. He decorated Windsor with beauty and style, and only thought about how to leave a mark on history, even though his reign was troubled by politics.

Henry V (1386–1422)

He was the eldest son of Henry IV and was praised for his courage and military skill, especially at Agincourt. He lived and worked at Windsor Castle, planning campaigns and ruling his kingdom from these walls.

Tudor Rulers Who Lived in Windsor Castle

In England and Wales, the Tudor period lasted from 1485 to 1603 and included the Elizabethan era. So, now let’s jump into who lives in Windsor Castle during this time period.

Henry VIII (1491–1547)

Henry VIII was the second Tudor King of England, and like his father, he was tall and athletic, which, in addition to his musical and hunting skills, earned him a lot of respect. He was also an influential figure in the reformation of both the church and the English nation, and Windsor was his consultation and celebration venue for the royal castles.  

Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

She was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She was intelligent, well-spoken, and loved learning, and during the troubled times, Windsor Castle was her safe shelter, where she planned the future of her kingdom while looking out over the Thames.

Stuart and Hanoverian Monarchs at Windsor Castle

The Stuart dynasty ruled Britain from 1603, starting with James I, and stayed in power until Queen Anne died in 1714. 

Charles I (1600–1649)

Like most of his family, James I’s second son, Charles, spent time in Windsor Castle, but he was more interested in the place for his hobbies, such as music and painting (which he did in some of the castle’s rooms) than for political meditation.

George III (1738–1820)

George III, eldest son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, was intelligent and curious. Moreover, he enjoyed farming, science, and learning. In addition, he spent time at Windsor Castle improving its rooms and gardens while managing royal duties and taking charge of the affairs of the kingdom very well.

George IV (1762–1830)

George IV, the eldest son of George III, had a great passion for design, art, and luxury. He transformed Windsor Castle with grand decorations, beautiful paintings, and elegant furniture, and has left behind a style that continues to impress visitors from all over the world.

Victorian Era: Windsor Castle Under Queen Victoria

When Queen Victoria became queen in 1837 at 18, Windsor Castle became her home and her place of work, where she lived with her family and carried out her duties as queen. 

It was here that she first celebrated her 20th birthday with a grand ball and received a beautiful malachite urn from Tsar Nicholas I. Windsor also witnessed the start of her life with Prince Albert, whom she invited to the Blue Closet to ask for his hand in marriage. 

Later, Windsor was also a place of sorrow, as Victoria mourned Albert’s death for the rest of her life. She remained closely connected to the castle until her own passing in 1901.

Windsor Castle in the 20th Century: Modern Royals Who Lived There

After the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, Windsor Castle remained a principal home of the royal family. With the new century, life at this place began to shift, and it began to be used predominantly for official work, ceremonies, and special visits. People started to ask, ‘Who lives in Windsor Castle now?’

Windsor still saw the visits of kings and queens, but royal visits met the new age’s requirements. The world surrounding it underwent rapid and significant change, yet Windsor Castle remained at the center of the British monarchy, upholding the world of history and duty, and integrating all the elements of royal life.

King George VI (1895–1952)

Windsor Castle was of great practicality during the Second World War. George VI, who was born in 1895, lived and worked at the Castle with his family, and during that time, he made crucial decisions to keep the country operating as it should during the difficult period. 

Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022)

Windsor’s exuberance also accompanied Elizabeth II, who engaged in family life, fellowship, and ceremonies, and left the most recent. Some say the most significant imprint of life in the Castle, which was especially lively and historical, was when she died in 2022.

Windsor Castle in the 21st Century: Who Lives in Windsor Castle Now?

Today, Windsor Castle is still very much a royal home, though no one lives here all the time. King Charles III and Queen Camilla spend weekends, holidays, and special occasions here, and other members of the family visit for important events. 

Why Windsor Castle Remains Important Today

As we talk about today, Windsor Castle continues to play a key role for the royal family as well as for Britain. When you walk through the castle with your own eyes, you can see the State Apartments, stroll through the gardens, and step into St. George’s Chapel, where centuries of weddings and ceremonies have taken place. You’ll need a ticket to visit most areas, but it’s worth it. 

Windsor Castle has inspired countless films and TV shows to connect us with its story: from The Crown, Victoria & Abdul, and The Young Victoria to even Harry Potter, whose magical scenes drew inspiration from its towers and halls. Documentaries and news features continue to bring Windsor into our homes, and being here, you can sense how the castle links the past with today, and shows why it remains at the heart of Britain’s royal life and culture.

Step Inside Windsor Castle with My Tailored Tours

Windsor Castle has been home to kings and queens for almost a thousand years, from William the Conqueror to King Charles III. Walking through the halls, gardens, and St. George’s Chapel, you can see the stories of royal life and where history happened. Today, it is still a royal home, with King Charles III and Queen Camilla spending weekends and special occasions here.

As we have reached the end of this content, and if knowing about Windsor Castle makes you curious to see it in person, My Tailored Tours is the perfect choice. You can walk through the castle, hear the stories of kings and queens, and learn how history unfolded here. Make your visit today and step into the world of royal life.