Inside the Waterloo Chamber: Portraits of Victory

Waterloo Chamber | Celebrating the Battle of Waterloo

Dedicated to the Allied victory over Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo, the Waterloo Chamber is a large room constructed in Windsor Castle from 1830 to 1831, honoring the British, Prussian, Russian, and Austrian forces led by the Duke of Wellington.

Where is it located?

The Waterloo Chamber is located within the State Apartments of Windsor Castle.

How to access the Chamber

Access to the Waterloo Chamber is part of the State Apartments' main route and is included in all Windsor Castle tickets.

Things to know before booking Waterloo Chamber tickets

Ticketed entry: When you book a ticket for Windsor Castle, access to the Waterloo Chamber is included in the price. You do not need to purchase a separate ticket to view the room.
Accessibility limitations: Step-free access to the Waterloo Chamber is available via a lift from the North Terrace. There is also ramped access from Engine Court to an alternative entrance of the State Apartments. The route involves some steps between different rooms in the State Apartments, but there are alternative step-free routes using lifts.
Timings: While the Waterloo Chamber generally follows the opening hours of Windsor Castle (10am to 5:15pm from Mar to Oct and 10am to 4:15pm from Nov to Feb), entry typically closes 30 mins after the last admission time for the castle itself.
Closures: As Windsor Castle is a working royal palace, the entire castle or parts of it, including the Waterloo Chamber, can be closed at short notice for official events or other reasons. Check the official Royal Collection Trust website for the most up-to-date closure information.

Waterloo Chamber in a nutshell

Year built: 1830-1831
Founder: George IV
Current use: Investitures, Garter Day Luncheon
Unique facts:
The carpet in Waterloo Chamber is the largest single-piece handmade carpet in the world and was presented to Queen Victoria.
Originally built as a courtyard known as Horn Court, the Chamber has very thick walls that provided a natural firebreak during the disastrous 1992 fire.

What to do inside the Waterloo Chamber

View the portraits

The chamber celebrates the victory of the Allied forces at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Commissioned by George IV, Sir Thomas Lawrence painted 28 full and half-length portraits of allied monarchs, military commanders, and statesmen involved in the defeat of Napoleon. These include the Duke of Wellington and Emperor Francis I of Austria.

Observe the architecture

Built by Sir Jeffry Wyatville, the room has a more classical style in its proportions and detailing, unlike the Gothic Revival style in the rest of the castle. Key features include a pierced and fretted timber ceiling, panelled walls with Gibbons carvings, and five cut-glass chandeliers that were commissioned by Prince Albert and installed in 1862.

Visualise state occasions

From its inception, the Waterloo Chamber was intended for important state events, receptions for visiting dignitaries, and royal banquets. Remarkably, the Waterloo Chamber continues to be used by the current monarch for official entertaining, most notably for the annual lunch hosted for the Knights and Ladies of the Garter during the Garter Day ceremony.

Popular artworks inside the Waterloo Chamber

Commissioned by King George IV, portraitist Sir Thomas Lawrence embarked on a project to capture the likenesses of key figures involved in Napoleon's defeat, as well as individuals from the restored French monarchy. These portraits, still displayed together in the Waterloo Chamber today, were created as Lawrence traveled across Europe and later in his London studio.

Lawrence's collection within the chamber includes depictions of:

Historical and cultural significance of the Waterloo Chamber

1940: During World War II, the Sir Thomas Lawrence portraits were taken off display to protect them from German air raids. Art student Claude Whatham was commissioned to create pantomimes on the wallpaper.
1943: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret staged a performance of Aladdin in front of an audience that included the future Prince Philip, who was on leave from the Royal Navy.
2004: The room was transformed into ‘The Music Room’ to host a state dinner and performance of the musical Les Misérables. This event commemorated the centenary of the Entente Cordiale, for which the Lawrence paintings were temporarily removed.
2020: Whatham's pantomime artwork was exhibited at Windsor Castle once more.
Present: Today, the Waterloo Chamber serves as the venue for the annual Garter Day luncheon in June, and Investitures.

Know before you go

The Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Nov 1 to Feb 29: 10am to 4:15pm
Mar 1 to Oct 31: 10am to 5:15pm

Entry to the Waterloo Chamber closes 30 mins after the last admission time.

Windsor Castle timings

Address: Windsor Castle, Windsor SL4 1QF, United Kingdom | Find on Maps

By bus: 702, 703
Nearest stop: Parish Church (Stop J)
By train: GWR, South Western Railway
Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central
By car: Via A4 and M4
Nearest parking: Romney Lock and King Edward VII car parks on Datchet Road
By guided tour: Evan Evans Tours
Nearest stop: Windsor Castle

Directions to Windsor Castle

Strollers: Strollers and buggies are not permitted inside the Waterloo Chamber. You will need to leave them in a designated area. However, baby carriers are permitted.
Baggage policy: Large bags, suitcases, and backpacks are not permitted. Smaller bags like handbags and small shoulder bags are allowed, but they may be subject to security checks.
Photography: Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Waterloo Chamber.
Outside food and drinks: No food or drinks are allowed inside the chamber. But there are cafés on the castle grounds where you can refuel before or after your visit.
Pets: Pets are not allowed, but service animals are welcome.

Visitor tips and guidelines

Time your visit with the Changing of the Guard ceremony: Plan your Waterloo Chamber visit just before or after the Changing of the Guard at Windsor (around 11am). While the State Apartments (where the Chamber is located) get crowded after the guard change, if you head straight to the apartments at opening time, you'll get a quieter look.
Admire the ceiling: The ceiling is often overlooked because of the massive portraits, but it features rich, detailed plasterwork dating from George IV’s time. Step to the center of the room and tilt your head to see the raking clerestory roof, designed to resemble the hull of a Royal Navy ship.
Ask a warden about wartime repairs: During WWII, the Thomas Lawrence portraits were taken down, and pantomime paintings, made for Princess Elizabeth and Margaret, briefly replaced the bare walls. A few wardens know exactly where these paintings hide behind the massive portraits.
Visit later in the day for golden light: Because the Chamber has tall windows, late afternoon sunlight (on sunny days) pours in and lights the portraits beautifully. It’s much more atmospheric than the flat midday light.
Key figures to spot: Duke of Wellington, Tsar Alexander I of Russia, King Frederick William III of Prussia, Lord Castlereagh, and Emperor Francis I of Austria are portraits you should look out for.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Waterloo Chamber

Do I need a separate ticket to enter the Waterloo Chamber?

Nope, no extra ticket needed! Your Windsor Castle entry ticket includes access to the Waterloo Chamber.

Is the Waterloo Chamber wheelchair accessible?

Yes! While there are some steps, there’s a lift from the North Terrace and ramped access from Engine Court, making it friendly for those with mobility needs. Windsor Castle has alternative step-free routes to help everyone enjoy the experience.

How long should I plan to spend at the Waterloo Chamber?

Plan for at least 20–30 mins to fully soak in the art, architecture, and the incredible atmosphere. You might want even longer if you love history!

Can I visit just the Waterloo Chamber without touring Windsor Castle?

No, as the Waterloo Chamber is part of the Windsor Castle experience.

Can I visit the Waterloo Chamber during royal events?

During special occasions like Garter Day, the Chamber plays a key role. However, it might close temporarily for royal events — check Windsor Castle’s official schedule if you’re planning around such dates.

Is the Waterloo Chamber suitable for kids?

Definitely! The portraits and grand architecture can spark young imaginations — and if you share the story of the princesses staging pantomimes here during WWII, it becomes even more magical for little visitors.

Was the Waterloo Chamber affected by the Windsor Castle fire?

The Chamber’s thick old walls helped act as a natural firebreak during the devastating 1992 fire, sparing this historic space from major damage.

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