The true story behind the fire at Windsor Castle shown in 'The Crown' – including what the show missed
Firefighters battle a huge blaze at Windsor Castle, a royal residence just west of London, on 20 November 1992.Netflix/Getty Images
- Episode four of "The Crown" season five focuses on the 1992 fire at Windsor Castle.
- The fire, which lasted for 15 hours, caused more than £36 million worth of damage.
At about 11:30 am on November 20, 1992, a fire broke out at Windsor Castle – the royal family's largest and oldest residence.
The fire started at 11:30 am on November 20, 1992. THIERRY SALIOU/AFP via Getty Images
Source: Insider
The cause of the fire was a faulty spotlight in Queen Victoria's Private Chapel. It overheated and set fire to a curtain pressed up against it.
The fire started in Queen Victoria's Private Chapel due to a faulty spotlight. THEIRRY SALIOU/AFP via Getty Images
Source: Royal Collection Trust
It didn't take long for the blaze to move into St George's Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would tie the knot 28 years later.
Windsor Castle on fire on November 20, 1992. Tim Graham/Getty Images
Source: Royal Collection Trust
At the time, Windsor Castle had its own dedicated team of 20 firefighters who were at the scene minutes after the fire was noticed.
Flames leap through the roof of Windsor Castle as fire sweeps through the Royal residence. Fiona Hanson - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images
Source: History Press
Three hours later, more firefighters were on the scene where efforts were being made by palace staff to salvage precious works of art and historical artifacts.
Throughout the day, efforts were taken to salvage precious works of art and treasures. PA Images via Getty Images
Source: Royal Collection Trust
Even as the sun began to set, people were spotted lowering books and objects down from higher floors as the blaze raged on.
People lowering books down from Windsor Castle as the fire continues. Mathieu Polak/Sygma via Getty Images
Some 225 firefighters did their best to control it – they would end up using more than 1.5 million gallons of water in the operation.
The blaze had still not been put out by dusk. Michael Stephens/Getty Images
Source: Royal Collection Trust
It wasn't until 2am when the fire was finally extinguished, meaning it had lasted a total of 15 hours.
The fire continued to blaze until 2am. Tim Graham Photo Library/Getty Images
It wasn't shown in "The Crown," but Prince Andrew was at Windsor Castle. He later told reporters he reacted with "shock and horror" at how quickly it had spread.
Prince Andrew at Windsor Castle on the evening of the fire on November 20, 1992. Mathieu Polak/Sygma via Getty Images
Source: Los Angeles Times
Queen Elizabeth II, who had been celebrating her 45th wedding anniversary to Prince Philip, arrived at the scene later. She had not been staying at Windsor Castle.
The Queen arrived at Windsor Castle and joined the "human chain" to salvage what was left. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Source: Los Angeles Times
"The Crown" accurately depicts the beige, hooded trench coat the Queen (played by Imelda Staunton in the show) wore when she rushed to Windsor Castle.
In "The Crown," the Queen (Imelda Staunton) arrives at Windsor Castle by car. Netflix
In the aftermath of the fire parts of Windsor Castle were totally charred – the roof of St George's Chapel, for example, had completely caved in.
The fire swept through St Georges Chapel. Tim Ockenden/PA Images via Getty Images
Just like in reality, "The Crown" captured the smoky remains of the structure after the blaze was extinguished.
St George's Chapel in "The Crown." Netflix
As much as the fire came at a personal, emotional loss to Queen Elizabeth II, she was hands-on throughout the ordeal and even joined the human chain passing valuables to safety.
Queen Elizabeth II was visibly downcast while inspecting the castle the following day. Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Source: People Magazine
However, in "The Crown," the Queen wasn't shown taking part in the saving of her property. Also, in reality, Prince Philip didn't appear to be around at the time of the fire.
It's unlikely this hug ever took place. Netflix
The fire caused damage worth more than £36 million ($42 million). Some £2 million of the total cost came from the Queen's personal wealth, with the rest from funds raised by opening parts of Buckingham Palace up to the public.
An aerial view of Windsor Castle after the fire on November 20, 1992. David Giles/PA Images via Getty Images
Source: History Press
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