Windsor Castle is steeped in history, a monument to nearly 1000 years of British royalty. Even under those storied ceilings, though, perhaps no room has witnessed more than the White Drawing Room, where Prince William and the Princess of Wales welcomed Crown Prince Hussein and Crown Princess Rajwa of Jordan on Wednesday. While the royals may well have drawn the most attention, with Catherine wearing Rouland Mouret separates and Rajwa donning a jumpsuit by the Princess of Wales’ favourite brand, Alexander McQueen – but their stunning surroundings caught the eye of royal watchers everywhere.
From landmark speeches delivered by Queen Elizabeth II to a bevvy of royal weddings, this lavishly decorated location has been at the heart of the Firm’s finest hours and darkest times. Here, Tatler uncovers the hidden secrets of Windsor Castle’s White Drawing Room.
The gilded doors of the White Drawing Room took centre stage at the King’s second royal wedding
Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA
Dating back to the reign of King George IV, who constructed three semi-state rooms as the site of his private apartments, the White Drawing Room features interiors from Morel & Seddon – indeed, the famous crafts partners came together following Morel’s commission by the King for the new rooms at Windsor. The pair were responsible for the ornate gold gilt doors, often seen when a monarch formally entertains a head of state or fellow royal, like when King Charles welcomed Ursula von der Leyen in 2023. Using George IV’s rooms to entertain visitors was a tradition started by Queen Elizabeth II, and one that William and Kate, like King Charles, have taken up themselves, as evidenced when they welcomed Rajwa and Hussein by the drawing room’s plush white sofas.