In The Royal Manner by Paul Burrell Read Free Book Online Page B

dominant feature is the round tower, elliptical in shape, which was built by Edward III. The tower is in the upper quadrangle of the Castle, and is named after the king. It is said to be haunted by an unknown spirit which wanders the corridors aimlessly.
St George's Chapel occupies the largest space within the lower ward of the Castle, and this is where the Royal Family regularly worships. The Chapel was conceived in 1477 by Edward IV, and completed by Henry VIII in 1528. Many aspects of its facade reflect the Tudor influence.
This has been the traditional burial place for eleven Kings and Queens of England including Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour, King Charles I and the Queen's father, King George VI.
Queen Victoria is one of only two recent monarchs not to be buried at St George's Chapel. She was so stricken with grief after losing her beloved Albert, that she built a separate mausoleum within the grounds of Windsor, at Frogmore, where she could mourn in private, knowing that one day they would be reunited.
The castle has witnessed many historic occasions. King John left his apartments here to go to Runnymede to sign the Magna Carta and King Charles I was taken from here to London for his trial and execution in 1649.
Windsor Castle is the Queen's favourite weekend retreat. Here she can relax, walk her dogs, ride in Windsor Great Park with relative anonymity, and escape the constant burdens of state. The Castle is open to the public throughout the year unless the Royal Family are using it for official entertaining.

    EASTER MORNING AT WINDSOR CASTLE
     
Easter day is celebrated with great reverence by the Royal Family. Holy Communion is taken within the private chapel at Windsor Castle. The Queen then joins the rest of her family for a traditional breakfast in her private dining room. The breakfast table, covered with a white linen tablecloth and a fine lace runner, is decorated with potted primulas and sweet-scented jasmine, hyacinths and narcissi. Each place setting is surrounded by small gifts such as painted eggs in brightly coloured paper bags tied with ribbons, or cardboard eggs containing little gifts and assorted chocolate eggs.
The entire family joins in the celebration around the table to enjoy a breakfast of free-range boiled and scrambled eggs, crumpets and cinnamon-spiced Hot Cross Buns.

EASTER TEA
     
    CINNAMON-SPICED HOT CROSS BUNS
     
    No Easter would be complete without these warm, spiced fruit buns. Traditionally they are served at breakfast time, but they are just as good at a tea time celebration as they are a true symbol of Easter.
    Makes: 12
     
    Preparation time: 25 minutes plus rising Cooking time: approx. 20 minutes
450g/1 lb strong plain flour
l tsp salt
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
50g/2oz light brown sugar
1 sachet /2 tsp easy-blend dried yeast
100g/4oz currants
1 tsp finely grated orange rind
50g/2oz unsalted butter, melted
1 medium egg, beaten
250ml/8fl. oz hand-hot milk
FOR THE DECORATION
75g/3oz plain flour
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small egg, beaten
4 tbsp milk
75g/3oz caster sugar
     
    Preheat the oven to 220°C /425°F /Gas 7
    1. Sift the flour, salt and cinnamon into a bowl and stir in the light brown sugar, yeast, currants and orange rind.
    2. Make a well in the centre and add the melted butter, the beaten egg and three quarters of the milk. Mix with a round-bladed knife to form a soft dough, adding more of the milk if the mixture seems too dry.
    3. Turn on to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a bowl dusted with flour, cover with oiled clear wrap and leave in a warm place until doubted in size – this will take 1 – 1l hours.
    4. Re-knead the dough for about 2 minutes and then divide into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a ball and place a little apart on a large greased baking sheet. Cover loosely with oiled clear wrap and leave in a warm place until doubled in size – about 45 minutes.
    5. Meanwhile, prepare