Royal Staff Deck, Windsor Castle Hall with 20-foot Christmas tree

Windsor Castle staff put the finishing touches to the Christmas decorations before opening the doors to visitors.

Tourists exploring the historic royal residence in Berkshire can view the State Apartments in their transformed form, with shimmering trees, twinkling lights and festive garlands.

A highlight is a six-metre-high Nordmann fir in St. George's Hall, which grows in nearby Windsor Great Park and is decorated with hundreds of dazzling ornaments.

A tree is also on display in the Crimson Drawing Room, one of the most ornate rooms in the castle and part of the Semi-State Rooms.

In the Waterloo Chamber, beneath glittering chandeliers, a large table is set with a display of decorative objects from the royal collection, as well as fruits and leaves.

The Semi-State Rooms were originally the private apartments of George IV and were used by members of the royal family for official receptions. They are open to visitors every Thursday during the winter months.

The Queen spent her last Christmas in Windsor, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world.

Founded in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, the city was home to 40 monarchs.

Meanwhile, members of the Household Cavalry Band and the Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards paraded past the festively decorated Windsor Castle to take part in the changing of the guard.