DECKING THE HALLS FOR CHRISTMAS THE ROYAL PALACES ARE DECORATED IN MAJESTIC STYLE AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON

It is the most majestic of settings so it was only fitting that St George's Hall at Windsor Castle should be decorated with a magnificent tree to greet people over the festive season.

- EMILY NASH

Felled in Windsor Great Park and lit with 33,500 twinkling lights, the 25ft Nordmann fir is the centrepiece of this year's dazzling Christmas display at the King's Berkshire residence.

In keeping with the castle's history as the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the tree is topped with a shimmering, beaded Garter Star. This year marks the 675th anniversary of the founding of the order - the UK's oldest and most senior order of chivalry - and the vaulted ceiling is decorated with the coats of arms of Garter Knights throughout history.

Another spectacular tree decorated with smaller Garter Stars takes pride of place in the elaborate Crimson Drawing Room, which is frequently used by members of the royal family to host official guests.

Meanwhile, in the grand Waterloo Chamber, the 160ft-long dining table has been laid with blue and gold porcelain from the Garter Service, featuring a design inspired by the order's Star and its motto: Honi soit qui mal y pense ("Shame on him who thinks evil of it").