Nestled within the serene surroundings of Windsor Great Park, the Royal Chapel of All Saints is a private chapel with a rich history and strong royal connections. Known for its picturesque setting and intimate atmosphere, this chapel is a significant site for the British Royal Family, often used for private worship and family events.
A Historic Place of Worship
The Royal Chapel of All Saints was built in 1825 on the grounds of Royal Lodge, a residence that has long been associated with the Royal Family. The chapel was commissioned by George IV to serve as a private place of worship for the residents and staff of Royal Lodge and the surrounding Windsor estate.
Despite its relatively small size, the chapel holds a prominent place in Royal tradition. It is not open to the public, reinforcing its role as a private sanctuary for the Royal Family and those living within the estate.
Royal Chapel of All Saints. (Wikipedia)
History and Design of the Chapel
The Royal Chapel of All Saints is a quintessential example of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring pointed arches, decorative tracery, and an elegant simplicity that reflects its role as a spiritual retreat. Inside, the chapel is adorned with stained glass windows and wood-panelled walls, which create a warm and inviting space for reflection and worship.
The chapel serves as the successor to earlier chapels built at Royal Lodge and Cumberland Lodge, which were used by their royal residents and staff. By the mid-1820s, as George IV frequently stayed at Royal Lodge during the extensive refurbishment of Windsor Castle, a larger chapel became necessary to accommodate the worship needs of his household and staff. Architect Jeffry Wyatville, who oversaw works at Windsor Castle, designed the new chapel, which was first used on Palm Sunday in 1825. Two weeks after its inauguration, Wyatville informed the Treasury of the chapel’s construction, explaining that it had been built without prior approval as a “matter of unavoidable necessity.” He described the chapel as having been constructed “within an old building,” which has been identified as a former Porter’s Lodge that previously occupied the site.
Repairs to the chapel were carried out in September 1825, and further repairs were needed a few months later after the King tripped while leaving his pew. In December 1825, the Treasury allocated £200 for additional repairs. Although most of Royal Lodge was demolished following the accession of William IV, the chapel was preserved and continued to hold services for the “benefit of servants of the Park Establishment’.
The seating arrangement in the Royal Chapel was designed to reflect the social hierarchy of its parishioners. The Royal Pew, located to the right of the altar, was connected to a separate Royal Entrance and adjoined by a pew reserved for royal servants. Opposite the Royal Pew sat the pew for the Deputy Surveyor of Woods. On the left side, a side chapel housed pews designated for the Bailiff, the King’s Farmer, and park keepers. Laborers were seated on the ground floor and the first floor, accessed through the chapel’s Common Entrance. In the 1840s, additional seating was introduced to accommodate the growing staff at Cumberland Lodge, with plans approved by Prince Albert. Further expansions in the 1850s added even more seating to meet the needs of the congregation.
Royal Connections to the Royal Chapel of All Saints
The chapel’s proximity to Royal Lodge has made it a frequent location for family gatherings, weddings, christenings, and other personal celebrations within the Royal Family. It has been used by successive generations of Royals for private worship, particularly during their stays at Windsor.
After moving into Royal Lodge in 1931, the Duke and Duchess of York (later known as George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother), regularly worshipped at the chapel. George VI commissioned refurbishments to the chapel, including a new ceiling, renewing the pews and added a cover to the organ.
Following George VI’s death, Elizabeth returned to Royal Lodge, yet still continued to visit the chapel until her death in 2022. As a regular worshipper at the chapel, her coffin was placed before the altar inside before being taken to London for her lying in state in Westminster Hall and funeral.
In recent years, the Royal Chapel of All Saints has played a more public role in times of national significance. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were photographed leaving the chapel after a service, a rare glimpse of their private religious observances. The chapel also hosted a small service for Prince Philip following his death in April 2021, where The Duke of York, the then-Earl and Countess of Wessex and Lady Louise were all present.
The Queen and Prince Philip with Princess Beatrice and Edo on their wedding day
One of the most notable recent events held at the Royal Chapel of All Saints was the wedding of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in July 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple opted for an intimate ceremony attended by close family, including Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Around 20 guests were thought to have attended the ceremony, including Beatrice’s parents – The Duke of York and Sarah Ferguson – and the couple’s siblings.
A view of the side of the Royal Chapel of All Saints. (Royal Family)
Although the chapel is primarily reserved for the Royal Family, it has a broader significance as a symbol of the continuity of faith and tradition within the Monarchy. It serves as a reminder of the Royal Family’s commitment to Christian values and their connection to the people who live and work within the Windsor estate.
The Royal Chapel of All Saints is a hidden treasure of the British Monarchy, rich in history and steeped in tradition. While its doors are not open to the public, its role in the private lives of the Royal Family and its significance as a place of worship within the royal estates make it an enduring symbol of devotion and heritage. This peaceful chapel remains an integral part of the spiritual and familial life of the monarchy, tucked away in the heart of Windsor Great Park.
