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The surprising household item the Queen has in Windsor Castle - and it's only £30!

A thrifty way to keep the monarch warm


Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
March 29, 2018
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It may officially be spring, but the Queen relied on her trusty electric heater to keep herself warm at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Her Majesty welcomed the President of Estonia for a meeting at the castle during her three-day visit to Britain, and amid the opulent and ornate furnishings a more functional household item could be seen - a small grey fan heater placed under a gold table.

The plastic appliance was spotted in the background of the portraits taken of the Queen and President Kaljulaid. Costing as little as £30 at many high street stores, the budget appliance appears at odds with its luxurious surroundings, and has been placed next to plush striped sofas and a small table that displays a framed photo of the Queen and Prince Philip. However, similar appliances have previously been spotted within Buckingham Palace and Balmoral, proving the Queen takes a thrifty approach to keeping the rooms of her royal residences warm.

The Queen Estonia president windsor castle© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen had an electric heater at Windsor Castle

Her Majesty is spending the Easter weekend at her Windsor residence, and attended the Maundy service at St George's Chapel on Thursday. The 91-year-old went to the service without the Duke of Edinburgh, who pulled out because of a problem with his hip. Buckingham Palace would not comment on the health of Philip, who was named in the order of service in anticipation of his attendance. A palace spokeswoman said: "The order of service was printed some weeks ago when it was hoped the Duke would be able to take part. His Royal Highness has since decided not to attend."

STORY: Get a rare insight into the Queen's private apartments as they undergo renovations

The Queen president Estonia Windsor Castle© Photo: Getty Images

Her Majesty is in Windsor for the Easter weekend

Every year the Queen attends a Royal Maundy service at one of Britain's cathedrals, and hands out Maundy money to male and female pensioners from local communities. This year, she attended the traditional Royal Maundy service at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle – the same church Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen for their wedding on 19 May. Around 92 men and 92 women will receive Maundy Money from Her Majesty - the number of men and women chosen each year is equivalent to the Queen's age.

MORE: See how the royals are spending the Easter weekend