The fourth episode of ‘The Crown’ titled ‘Annus Horribillis’, marks the end of the terrible year of 1992 for the Royal Family with the fire at Windsor Castle. The episode revolves around the fire that broke out in the corridors of Windsor Castle. For the most part, the episode had been factually correct in depicting the grave accident that cost a humongous amount even to the Queen’s pocket and her sentiments. Last Sunday completed thirty years of the fire tragedy.
The episode of ‘The Crown’ starts with Elizabeth intensely pouring out in her car. The story then rewinds to the start of the day Queen Elizabeth in celebration of 40 years of reign makes her speech about the horrible year. The rest of the episode deals with Margaret hankering over her first love and the change in the scene as she receives a letter from her ex-lover to meet. Elizabeth does not agree with her sister and they part exchanging bitter words. Charles comes in to ask for his own divorce. To round up all the terrible events, Elizabeth returns to her home only to see it burning. Emotionally saturated, the Queen finds comfort in an embrace with Prince Philip.
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How Did The 1992 Windsor Castle Fire Start?
According to the Royal Commission Trust, the fire started in Queen Victoria’s Private Chapel. A broken spotlight overheated the curtain next to it and eventually caught fire. The blaze was noticed around 11:30 in the morning and authorities were immediately stirred to action. However, the fire was quick to spread and soon reached St. George’s Chapel, where Megan Markle and Prince Harry would marry decades later. The 20 firefighters of Windsor Castle were joined by more men and eventually, 225 firefighters were battling the unstoppable flames.
After using 1.5 million gallons of water the fire was finally brought down but the largest and oldest residency of the Royal Family was charred black. The roof of St George’s Chapel had caved in. The damages incurred by the fire cost $42 million, and around $2 million came from the Queen’s treasury. Prince Andrew who was present at the scene but was not shown in the episode shared with reporters that he acted with “shock and horror” at the fiery sight. The episode of ‘The Crown‘ correctly portrayed the crumbling of Windsor Castle.
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Restoration And Repairs
After a long struggle of 15 hours, the fire was extinguished at 2:30 am the next day. However, the accident turned into a golden opportunity for architects and designers to have a hand at making royalty. The Restoration Committee as informed by the Trust was headed by the Duke of Edinburg. Where Queen Victoria’s Private Chapel first stood, was replaced by The Lantern Lobby. The lobby functions as a formal passage between private and State apartments. Not many alterations were brought to St. George’s Hall. It was restored to its original glory with a coat of modernization.
After five years of toil, in 1997 the restoration was completed with a cost of more than $40 million. The fire and destruction of Windsor Castle was a heavy toll on the Queen. She even contributed to the staff and labor-saving the works of art. Thankfully to the staff members who drove the valuables out of the way of the fire only two pieces of artwork were lost to the inferno.
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