In a tragic turn of events thirty years ago, Windsor Castle, a historic royal residence with over 1,000 rooms dating back to William the Conqueror’s time, was engulfed in flames in late November 1992.

This catastrophic incident occurred during what Queen Elizabeth referred to as her ‘annus horribilis’, a year marked by personal turmoil within the royal family and public scandals.

On the fateful morning of Friday, November 20, 1992, three picture restorers entered the 13th-century Private Chapel at Windsor Castle, which was being utilized for storing valuable paintings during renovation work.

As they inspected a painting, they noticed a subtle smell of burning, soon realizing that it was smoke filling the air, not dust as initially assumed.

Within minutes, flames erupted at the top of an altar curtain, triggering a frantic response from the restorers and nearby contractors.

Despite their efforts to contain the fire, it quickly spread, engulfing the chapel walls and precious artworks.

The intensity of the blaze forced everyone to evacuate as the situation rapidly escalated.

As the fire reached alarming levels, the Castle Fire Station sprang into action, alerting part-time firefighters on the staff and requesting assistance from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Tourists in the vicinity remained unaware of the unfolding crisis, underscoring the urgency of the situation within the castle walls.

By midday, the fire had spiraled out of control, posing a grave threat to the castle’s treasured possessions and historical artifacts.

Prince Andrew, present at the castle during the incident, coordinated efforts to salvage paintings, china, and furniture alongside a team of over 370 individuals, including members of the Household Cavalry and the Gurkha regiment.

The blaze garnered widespread media attention, with BBC and ITN News broadcasting live updates as spectators gathered near Windsor to witness the devastation.

The lack of fireproofing in the castle’s interiors exacerbated the rapid spread of flames, intensifying the challenge faced by firefighters battling the inferno.

Amidst the chaos, heroic efforts were made to rescue priceless artworks from the castle’s interiors as flames ravaged the ancient structure.

The scene outside the castle was a flurry of activity, with removal vans, Army trucks, and even a horse box employed to transport salvaged treasures to safety.

As the afternoon wore on, the scale of the disaster became apparent, with multiple sections of the castle ablaze and firefighters from seven counties working tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

Despite the immense challenges posed by collapsing floors and roofs, the firefighting teams displayed unwavering resolve in their mission to contain the catastrophic fire.

The arrival of Queen Elizabeth at the scene, visibly shaken by the devastation, underscored the gravity of the situation.

Her poignant reaction mirrored the sentiments of many witnessing the destruction of a cherished symbol of British heritage.

As dusk approached, the fire continued to rage unchecked, casting a pall of sorrow over Windsor Castle and its storied history.

The resilience and dedication of all involved in the firefighting efforts stood as a testament to the unwavering spirit in the face of adversity, signaling a long road to recovery for this iconic landmark.