Residents near Windsor Castle are outraged over King Charles’ plan to charge them entry fees for the first time in 200 years. Starting June 1, the 31,500 residents of Windsor and Maidenhead must pay 50% of the £33 gate fee, amounting to £16.50, instead of entering for free with their Advantage Cards.

From June 1 the 31,500 residents of Windsor and Maidenhead have been told they can no longer visit Windsor Castle for free

Locals called this decision an “absolute disgrace” and vowed to stop visiting the castle. Free entry began in 1825 and was reaffirmed by Queen Victoria in 1837 and again by Queen Elizabeth II after the 1992 fire.

Windsor teacher Richard Endacott, 49, and his mother former Deputy Mayor of Windsor & Maidenhead Cynthia Endacott (now deceased).  He said he takes his family up there free two or three times a year and has called on the King to look at the situation

The Royal Collection Trust (RCT) now plans to end this tradition. A Windsor Castle source hinted that King Charles might intervene, as he may not be aware of the decision.

Entrance to the world's oldest inhabited castle - the ancestral home to 40 Kings & Queens since William the Conqueror began building it in 1070 - was free to everyone until 1992. Pictured: Guards change at Windsor Castle on March 23, 2024

Local politician Julian Tisi has launched a petition against the fees, urging the RCT to reconsider. Residents like former Grenadier Guard Paul Oatway and Michelle Farmer expressed their anger, highlighting the inconvenience of tourist crowds and road closures they endure.

The event saw many of the guests break their fasts with coconut water and dates at the royal residence

The council plans to discuss the matter with the RCT, hoping King Charles will uphold the tradition of free entry for locals.