Royal Controversy: King Charles III Alters Windsor Castle Neighbor Relations with Admission Changes

King Charles III Makes Change to Windsor Castle, Upsetting the Residents’ Neighbors

King Charles III. Jane Barlow-WPA Pool/Getty Images

Starting on June 1, King Charles III will be ending a 200 year-old tradition at Windsor Castle. This change is causing some upset among the local residents because they will no longer receive free admission to the historic site, a tradition that dates back to 1825.

The Royal Collection Trust has announced a new discounted fee for residents with a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card. This will reduce the regular admission fee by half and the card also offers deals at over 200 attractions in the area.

Julian Tisi, a parliamentary candidate, is one of many who disagree with Charles’ decision. According to the BBC, Tisi mentioned that residents happily welcome tourists during the season, providing services such as driving them in taxis and giving directions. In return, they are able to live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world and visit whenever they want.

The castle, owned by the royals, is open to visitors throughout the year.

In response to criticism, a spokesperson from the Royal Collection Trust told Hello! that the pricing has been reevaluated to align with other businesses in the area.

King Charles III Makes Change to Windsor Castle, Upsetting the Residents’ Neighbors

DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images

"We are always looking for ways to make the Castle more accessible to our local visitors. Currently, we offer free visits for community organizations that support under-represented groups. Additionally, we have a travel subsidy and access scheme in place for schools working with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds," the spokesperson explained.

This decision is just one of the many new initiatives introduced by Charles, 75, since his coronation in May 2023.

Last month, it was announced that the monarch will be opening Balmoral Castle to the public for tours from July 1 to August 4.

Guests who visit will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle on a historical journey, as mentioned on the tour’s ticketing page.

The page mentioned that tourists can journey through time, starting from when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert purchased the Balmoral, all the way to present day. Visitors can also observe how the rooms in the Castle are currently utilized by The King, The Queen, and other members of the Royal Family.

In addition, there was a recent development earlier this month where Charles received ownership of some of his late mother Queen Elizabeth II's previous charities, such as Dogs Trust, a charity dedicated to finding new homes for dogs.

"We are thrilled to announce that His Majesty The King has graciously accepted to be our new Royal Patron," stated Owen Sharp, the chief executive of Dogs Trust. "It is evident that The King has a deep love and care for dogs, and with his support, we can further our mission to assist dogs and their owners not only in the UK but also worldwide."

Editor's P/S:

King Charles III's decision to end free admission to Windsor Castle for local residents has sparked controversy. While the Royal Collection Trust argues that the new discounted fee aligns with other businesses in the area, many residents feel that their longstanding privilege of free access to the historic site has been unfairly revoked. The move reflects a shift in the monarchy's approach to public relations, as Charles seeks to modernize and streamline its operations.

Despite the backlash, the Royal Collection Trust emphasizes its commitment to accessibility, offering free visits to community organizations and a travel subsidy for schools in economically disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the opening of Balmoral Castle to the public and Charles' patronage of charities such as Dogs Trust demonstrate the King's continued involvement in social causes and his dedication to preserving the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.