The Royal Collection Trust has announced that residents will no more enjoy free admission to Windsor Castle from June 1, 2024.

According to the Royal Collection Trust, locals who have a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card will now pay half the regular admission price to visit the castle.

The BBC quoted a Royal Collection Trust spokesperson as saying that its pricing is regularly reviewed, and policy updated to “be in line with other businesses in the borough.”

The spokesperson also said that it was exploring ways to make the Castle more accessible to visitors from the local area, with initiatives such as, “free visits for community organisations working with under-represented groups, and a travel subsidy and access scheme for schools working with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Reacting to the development, a Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead councillor Amy Tisi said, “We consider those in the ‘big house on the hill’ to be our neighbours and want to work with them on this to ensure no resident is priced out of visiting the castle.”

A liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Julian Tisi, had once spoken about the castle saying, “During the season, residents gladly welcome tourists to their shops and restaurants, they drive them around in taxis and are happy to give directions in the street.

“In return, we get to live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world, and visit when we choose.’’

The 1,000-year-old fortress in Berkshire is used by the king as one of his official residences and it is a working palace, which remains open to the public throughout the year.