1. Windsor Castle – Berkshire, England
For fans of the royal family, this royal home should look very familiar! Windsor Castle has been one of the British Royal Family’s strongholds for over a millennium. It’s also the largest currently occupied worldwide.
Furthermore, it’s one of the very few royal homes open to the public! However, there are times when the royal family closes it to fulfill their royal duties. They use it for two purposes: first, as an official residence when performing royal duties. Second, as the Queen’s weekend getaway home. Most importantly, Windsor Castle features a fully functioning chapel on the premises. The chapel, St. George’s Chapel, became internationally famous when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married there in 2018.
2. Place of Holyroodhouse – Scotland
Remember, while Queen Elizabeth is widely known as the Queen of England, she also rules over Scotland. And the Queen cannot properly rule over Scotland without a palace, right? Well, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is the Queen’s official Scottish residence!
The Queen mostly uses Holyroodhouse for celebrations, including the summer event dubbed “Holyrood Week.” The event celebrates Scottish culture with official engagements, a garden party, and nearly 8,000 guests. Fun fact, King George V and Queen Mary started the tradition of Holyrood Week decades ago. Furthermore, anyone can visit Place of Holyroodhouse online, as its the only royal homes with an online virtual tour!