Windsor Castle puts up its 20 FOOT Christmas tree

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Royal Collection Trust bedecked the castle's State Rooms with decorations
A 20ft Nordmann fir was the centrepiece of the Christmas display
Was hung with Chinese lanterns and a replica of the Imperial State Crown

Published: 09:48 EST, 25 November 2016 | Updated: 21:51 EST, 25 November 2016

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While department stores have been trying to outdo each other with elaborate Christmas decorations, most will pale in comparison to this elaborate display at Windsor Castle.

A 20ft Nordman fir made up the centrepiece of the opulent decorations, hung up on Friday, at the Queen's Berkshire residence..

The glittering display at the castle where monarchs have celebrated Christmas since the 12th century also included giant red velvet bows and twinkling fairy lights.

A Royal Collection Trust staff member puts the finishing touches to the Grand Staircase of the State Apartments, as part of Christmas decorations being put up at Windsor Castle

Staff put the finishing touches to a 20ft Nordmann fir tree in St George's Hall which makes the centrepiece to the castle's stunning Christmas display

Meanwhile the towering fir in St George's Hall is bedecked with Chinese lanterns, gold ribbon, and even a miniature version of the Imperial State Crown.

Royal Collection Trust staff were responsible for putting the finishing touches to the State Apartments, including a giant hanging wreath on the Grand Staircase.

The Christmas decorations have become an annual attraction at the castle, which last year bedecked its rooms with a Regency theme.

The 20ft fir erected in St George's Hall is bedecked with Chinese lanterns and gold ribbon

Opulent: The Christmas decorations have become an annual attraction at the castle, which last year bedecked its rooms with a Regency theme

A member of staff adds a gold bauble to the 20ft Nordmann fir which stands in St George's Hall which is hung with Chinese lanterns, fairy lights and colourful decorations

George's IV's mother Queen Charlotte famously decorated her home with yew, which used to be the traditional Christmas tree before fir trees were popularised by Prince Albert in the mid-19th century.

A memoir of Queen Charlotte, published in 1819, recalls how ‘in the middle of the room stood an immense tub with a yew-tree placed in it.'

It details how the branches were adorned with: 'bunches of sweetmeats, almonds, and raisins, fruits and toys, most tastefully arranged, and the whole illuminated by small wax candles’.

Royal Collection Trust staff were responsible for putting the finishing touches to the State Apartments, including a giant hanging wreath on the Grand Staircase, pictured

Giant lanterns, twinkling fairy lights and glittering decorations add to the opulent theme at Windsor Castle this year. Last year the royals went for a Regency theme