Dining at Windsor Castle

IWFS is delighted to announce that, due to popular demand, we are allowed, once again, to invite Society members to attend a very special evening and dine within the portals of Windsor Castle. This dinner is being held in conjunction with colleagues from the British Business Alliance.

Obviously, the Castle has been synonymous with the British Royal Family for nearly a thousand years. The original castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and has been home to forty monarchs. Also, within the grounds of the Castle is St George's Chapel, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England, construction beginning in 1475 under the reign of Edward IV. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry. It has also been the location of several Royal weddings and is the resting place of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Included in this invitation is the opportunity to attend Evensong in the Chapel at 17.15. To be allowed to sit in the seats of the Order of the Garter and hear the Choir sing is an ethereal treat for the ears.

Dinner will be in the Vicars’ Hall, with its high vaulted ceiling. The room was built in 1415, the year of the battle of Agincourt and is itself steeped in history. At the Garter Feast held on April 23rd, 1597 a certain playwright and his Queen met in this room to watch a play about her father and his six wives.  The Queen was of course Elizabeth I, the playwright was William Shakespeare and the play was “The Merry Wives of Windsor”.  As it is now 400 years since the first Folio of Shakespeare’s works was published, our visit is timely and appropriate.

Travel back in time with us to gain a unique glimpse into days gone past!

The format for the evening is

17.15 to be seated in the seats of the Order of the Garter for Evensong in St George’s Chapel.

18.30 Welcome drinks on the Lookout, with superb views of the Castle grounds. {In the event of inclement weather, we will move into the Dean’s Cloister with the permission of the Dean.} 

19.30 Dinner in the Vicars’ Hall. We will be treated to a 3-course meal with matching wines. 

22.00 Leave the Hall for a tour of St George’s Chapel by one of the Military Knights.

Parking for us has been specially arranged for us on the Parade ground inside the Castle. You will enter via Henry VIII’s gateway and drive onto the parade ground.  This is in front of the main entrance to George’s Chapel.  You will then be given access through the private area of Tudor housing to the Vicar’s Hall - a part that is not open to the general public.

Naturally, security will be quite tight, details varying from time to time. You will need to have photo ID with you, and it is vital the name on your booking form is the same as on the photo ID. We will contact you to confirm this information, six weeks prior to the event, and for details of your car where relevant. Photos are allowed but not within the Chapel without express permission.

This is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to dine in a prestigious location, not open to the general public. Early booking is advised.

£220 for IWFS Members and Guests

Black Tie (or dark lounge suits if that is more convenient).

Ladies: Long or short dresses (or formal trousers if preferred).