Prince Edward Reveals Little-Known Windsor Castle Secret During Historic Portugal Tour

Prince Edward has shared a little-known detail about Windsor Castle while visiting Portugal alongside his wife, Duchess Sophie, as the couple began a three-day royal tour celebrating one of the world’s oldest diplomatic alliances.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arrived in Lisbon on Monday, marking the first official royal visit to Portugal since King Charles and Queen Camilla, then the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, visited the country in 2011.

Their tour began with a visit to the Portuguese National Archive, where the couple unveiled a historic display featuring the original English and Portuguese versions of the Treaty of Windsor. The documents were placed side by side for the first time since the treaty was signed in 1386.

The occasion highlighted the remarkable relationship between Britain and Portugal, widely regarded as the oldest continuously active diplomatic alliance in the world.

As he examined the centuries-old documents, Prince Edward joked about the condition of the historic records.

“The Portuguese are better at looking after their documents,” he remarked with a laugh, noting that the English version showed signs of age, including stains accumulated over more than six centuries.

The Duke also joked that it is “always important to read the fine print,” drawing smiles from guests attending the event.

However, it was a personal revelation about Windsor Castle that captured particular attention.

Speaking to historians, archivists, and officials gathered for the ceremony, Prince Edward expressed gratitude for Portugal’s contribution to the restoration of Windsor Castle following the devastating fire that damaged the royal residence in 1992.

The blaze, one of the most significant disasters in the castle’s modern history, destroyed or damaged numerous state rooms and required an extensive restoration project.

During his remarks, Edward revealed that Portuguese craftsmanship continues to play an important role inside one of Britain’s most famous royal residences.

“I am also delighted that, in more recent times, after the tragedy of the fire at Windsor Castle, Portugal wanted to be involved in the restoration,” the Duke said.

“We’re always very grateful for that offer.”

He then shared a little-known detail that many royal watchers may never have heard before.

“When you go into the Crimson Drawing Room, all the tassel work was completely done by the Portuguese, so you are very much at the heart of Windsor Castle.”

The revelation offered a rare glimpse into the international contributions that helped restore the castle after the fire and underscored the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

The Treaty of Windsor itself remains a remarkable historical document.

Signed in 1386 by King Richard II of England and King João I of Portugal, the agreement established a bond of perpetual friendship, alliance, and mutual support between the two countries.

The treaty followed Portugal’s victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota and was later strengthened through the marriage of King João I and Philippa of Lancaster.

In addition to military cooperation, the treaty promoted trade and commercial opportunities between the two kingdoms, allowing merchants to travel and conduct business more freely.

Its significance extended far beyond the medieval period.

The alliance played a role during the Napoleonic Wars, World War I, and World War II, demonstrating an extraordinary level of diplomatic endurance rarely seen in international relations.

Following the archive visit, Edward and Sophie continued their engagements in Lisbon, embracing local culture by travelling aboard one of the city’s famous yellow trams.

After an approximately ten-minute ride through the Portuguese capital, Prince Edward once again charmed onlookers by displaying his language skills.

As he stepped off the tram, the Duke thanked the driver with a cheerful “obrigado,” drawing smiles from those nearby.

The visit is expected to focus on strengthening cultural, historical, and diplomatic ties between Britain and Portugal while highlighting the enduring legacy of a relationship that has lasted nearly 640 years.

For royal observers, however, one of the most memorable moments from the opening day was Prince Edward’s unexpected Windsor Castle revelation—a reminder that even centuries after the Treaty of Windsor was signed, Portugal remains woven into the story of Britain’s royal history.