CONTINUING A FESTIVE TRADITION - WITH A TINY NEW TREAT TO DELIGHT VISITORS WINDSOR CASTLE AT CHRISTMAS

STAFF DECK THE HALLS - AND, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE ROYAL DOLLS' HOUSE

- EMILY NASH

Windsor Castle is impressive at any time of year, but at Christmas, it is truly magnificent. The 11th-century royal residence has been transformed for the festive season with a dazzling 20ft living Christmas tree taking pride of place in the majestic setting of St George’s Hall.

The Nordmann fir, grown on the Windsor Estate, is topped with a giant Garter Star and lit by thousands of twinkling lights.

It took a six-strong team two days to install the tree and decorate it with baubles and fruitshaped ornaments in velvet, using a cherrypicker hoist to reach the uppermost branches.

And in line with the King’s passion for sustainability, the lights are LED, the decorations have been previously used and the tree will be replanted outdoors in the new year.