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Windsor Castle Fire: Queen's 'Annus Horribilis' Marked by Blaze
20 Nov, 2025
Summary
- A devastating fire in 1992 ravaged Windsor Castle, causing extensive damage.
- The blaze occurred during Queen Elizabeth II's 'annus horribilis' year.
- Restoration cost £36.5 billion and took five years to complete.
The year 1992, famously dubbed the Queen's "annus horribilis," was overshadowed by a severe fire at Windsor Castle. Starting in Queen Victoria's Private Chapel, the inferno raged for 15 hours, requiring over 200 firefighters and a million gallons of water.
The fire caused irreversible damage to 115 rooms, including the collapse of St. George's Hall. The extensive five-year restoration effort came with a staggering cost of £36.5 billion. The cause was later believed to be a faulty spotlight.
This event was a climax to a tumultuous year for the Royal Family, which also saw the separation of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and other personal challenges. The restoration was completed on the Queen and Prince Philip's golden wedding anniversary in 1997.
