Buckingham Palace Christmas Decorations 2015
This December, visitors to the royal residences will see the State Apartments at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse transformed with festive decorations, glittering Christmas trees, and spectacular dining tables laid for royal feasts.
At Windsor Castle a Regency-themed display will show how George IV celebrated Christmas at the Castle in the early-19th century. In the magnificent Waterloo Chamber, commissioned by George IV when Prince Regent to celebrate the Allied victory at the Battle of Waterloo, a 16 metre-long table will be laid with pieces from the spectacular Grand Service. Comprising some 4,000 pieces of silver-gilt, the Grand Service was commissioned by the Prince from the royal goldsmiths Rundell, Bridge & Rundell, and is still used today at State Banquets.
The Octagon Dining Room will be decorated with yew to evoke a sense of how Queen Charlotte (the mother of George IV) would have decorated the Castle for Christmas. Yew was the first tree to be brought indoors to be used as a Christmas tree in England. It was later replaced by fir trees in a tradition popularised by Prince Albert in the mid-19th century. A memoir of Queen Charlotte, published in 1819, recalls how 'in the middle of the room stood an immense tub with a yew-tree placed in it, from the branches of which hung bunches of sweetmeats, almonds, and raisins, fruits and toys, most tastefully arranged, and the whole illuminated by small wax candles'.
Nordmann Fir Christmas trees, adorned with decorations and on display in St George's Hall and the Crimson Drawing Room, as well as a table display of porcelain in the State Dining Room, where the table will be set for a dessert course with glacé fruits, will also add to the festive spectacle.
The Palace of Holyroodhouse will be decked with wreaths, garlands and over 20,000 twinkling lights. Visitors will be met by the sight of two large Christmas trees at the entrance to the Palace before entering the historic State Apartments by the Great Stair, which will be draped with garlands and decorated with pines and berries.
In the Royal Dining Room, the table will be laid with pieces from a silver service presented by Scottish benefactor Sir Alexander Grant to George V and Queen Mary in 1935 to mark their Silver Jubilee. Made in Edinburgh, the service was commissioned specifically for use at the Palace, with each piece engraved with the Scottish Coat of Arms. Also included in the display will be selected pieces from a Bloor Derby porcelain dessert service which was ordered by Queen Victoria and first exhibited in 1842 during the week of Christmas. In the Great Gallery a Christmas tree, standing from floor to ceiling, will glisten with colourful jewel-like decorations.
For the first time, the Palace garden will be open throughout the festive period, offering visitors the chance to explore the four-hectare garden encircled by the Queen's Park and set against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur's Seat.
At the Café at the Palace, visitors can enjoy homemade mince pies, Christmas cake and mulled wine or even treat themselves to a Christmas-themed afternoon tea.
On selected dates in December, visitors can also enjoy a Private Evening Tour of the royal residences. Led by an expert guide, the tours, available at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, offer a special behind-the-ropes experience. All tickets include a glass of champagne, a copy of the Official Souvenir Guide and a 20% discount at Royal Collection Trust shops.
Tickets and visitor information: www.royalcollection.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7766 7301.
For more information and images please contact Hanae Tsuji, Royal Collection Trust Press Office, +44 (0)20 7839 1377, [email protected].
Buckingham Palace Christmas Decorations 2015
Source: https://www.rct.uk/about/press-office/press-releases/celebrate-the-christmas-season-at-the-official-residences-of-her