DECKING THE HALLS AT WINDSOR CASTLE SETS AN EXAMPLE TO THE NATION AS SHE PREPARES FOR FESTIVITIES WITH A DIFFERENCE

REPORT: EMILY NASH

Workers put the finishing touches to the 20ft Norway spruce lighting up Windsor Castle’s historic St George’s Hall in time for Christmas and the Queen’s annual TV broadcast (above)

As the royal household gets ready for Christmas, one of the most important dates in the Queen’s calendar, a team of workers has been transforming Windsor Castle’s magnificent state apartments into an incredible festive spectacle.

Taking pride of place in the decorations is a 20ft Norway spruce tree from Windsor Great Park, standing tall in the historic St George’s Hall.

Decorated with 3,000 lights and hundreds of iridescent glass, red and gold mirrored ornaments, the tree was one of six installed on the castle’s visitor route last week, alongside twinkling lights and garlands.

It’s seen in one of several photos released last week, which also include a shot of the finishing touches being put to an ornate candelabra, the centrepiece of a grand dining table featuring golden ornaments and crystal glasses.

While Windsor is always given a Christmas overhaul, this year it is more vital than ever that staff deck the halls in their full winter glory. For the first time in 33 years, the Queen will not travel to her Sandringham estate in Norfolk for her annual family Christmas break.