Charles III proved despite himself that the financial crisis affected everyone. The king has in fact decided to make paying, from June 1, visits to Windsor Castle to local residents, who had nevertheless benefited from free access for almost two centuries, according to the BBC.
In order to calm any outrage at the end of this long-standing tradition much appreciated by the neighborhood, the Royal Collection Trust, which manages royal residences, thought it was doing the right thing by offering them a 50% reduction on entry fees. amounting to £15 or £16.50 (around 18 euros) thanks to advantage cards accessible online.
A popular tourist spot
This consolation prize, however, did not convince everyone, as evidenced by a Liberal Democratic parliamentary candidate, based in Windsor.
“During the season, locals happily welcome tourists into their shops and restaurants, give them taxi rides, and are happy to give them directions on the street,” said Julian Tisi, noting residents’ efforts to keep a living tourism in the region and their right to benefits for this reason. “In return, we live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world and visit it whenever we want. »
Search for benefits
For its part, the Royal Collection Trust has defended its own efforts to make the places accessible to more people. “We continue to look at ways to make the castle as accessible as possible to visitors to the region,” a spokesperson was quoted as saying by the BBC. “Current initiatives include free tours for community organizations working with underrepresented groups, as well as a travel grant and access program for schools working with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. »
Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, a few kilometers from London, is 1,000 years old and serves as the royal residence and office of the monarch. Buckingham Palace, however, remains the official main residence of the British monarchy; Queen Elizabeth II moved there full-time with her husband, Prince Philip, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Windsor is open to visitors and has been the place, notably thanks to its St. George’s Chapel, of weddings for some members of the royal family, such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, and of eternal rest for others, like the late Elizabeth II alongside her parents, her sister and her husband, Prince Philip.