Windsor Castle, in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire,United Kingdom, is the largest inhabited castle in the world and, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, is the oldest in continuous occupation. It may be the most famous castle in the world. The castle's floor area is approximately 484,000 square feet (about 45,000 square metres). Calculated based on report of area destroyed in 1992 fire as being 9,000 metres squared, which was reported to be about one-fifth of the total area of the castle. See * blank">http://www.royal.gov.uk/OutPut/Page574.asp

Together with _Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Her other two residences, Sandringham House and Balmoral Castle, are the Royal Family's private homes.

Most of the Kings and Queens of England have had a direct influence on the construction and evolution of the castle, which has been their garrison fortress, home, official palace, and sometimes their prison. The castle's history and that of the British monarchy are inextricably linked. Chronologically the history of the castle can be traced through the reigns of the monarchs who have occupied it. When the country has been at peace, the castle has been expanded by the additions of large and grand apartments; when the country has been at war, the castle has been more heavily fortified. This pattern has continued to the present day.