A Coburg Christmas tree for Windsor

all four photos @ HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

In honor of Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday, Coburg has presented the town of Windsor with a Christmas tree.

Contrary to some reports, the Christmas tree is not on display at Windsor Castle.  It was installed in the center of Windsor.  The Queen celebrates Christmas at Sandringham House.

The tree was cut down in the Callenberg forest, which is owned by Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the present head of the family.    Prince Andreas is a third cousin of Queen Elizabeth.  He descends from Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha's youngest son, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany.   Queen Elizabeth II descends from Victoria's eldest son, King Edward VII.  (The Duke of Edinburgh is also a descendant -- from Victoria's second daughter, Princess Alice.)

Coburg's mayor asked Prince Andreas if he would provide the tree.  He was delighted to say yes.


The 40 foot fir tree was delivered by Mercedes-Benz.

It was Prince Albert who instrumental in establishing the Christmas tree and other German Christmas traditions in Britain.  The first royal Christmas tree also came from the Callenberg Forest.

all photos @ HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha

The tree will be decorated with 2000 handmade glass decorations from Germany. Royal Windsor Mayor Sayonara Luxton stated: “The celebrations in our borough in honour of the Queen’s 90th birthday have been spectacular so far and I cannot think of a more fitting way to help round off the year.

“The tree will make a beautiful centrepiece to the wider festivities throughout the borough and is a wonderful example of how this time of year can bring everyone together. I would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to our generous friends in Coburg and wish them a very merry Christmas.”

My thanks to HH Prince Andreas of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha for allowing me the use of his photos.