Advertisement

Queen Elizabeth II Allegedly Spotted a Ghost Inside the Windsor Castle Library

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

From House Beautiful

When you think of the royal family's palaces, you imagine some of the most esteemed and grandiose residencies in the world. However, several of these century-old estates have bore witness to murders, manic episodes, and lots and lots of controversy. According to Visit Britain, these five royal residencies are allegedly haunted.

Windsor Castle

Photo credit: Getty
Photo credit: Getty

As many as 25 ghosts have been reported at Windsor Castle. In particular, Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Margaret, claimed to have seen the ghost of Elizabeth I. Typically spotted in the library, the ghost of Elizabeth I likes to pace around the room, oblivious to her loud footsteps across the creaky floorboards, before appearing.

The ghost of George III has also been spotted in Windsor castle. He has been seen in the room below the library, where he was confined during his several periods of madness.

The ghost of Henry VIII has also been said to mope the castle. His ulcerated leg distinguishes him from the other apparitions and thuds across the floor as he walks.

Outside, the ghost of Herne has been reportedly seen in Windsor Great Park. He was a huntsman for King Richard III. Legend has it that those who encounter him are struck by misfortune.

Buckingham Palace

Photo credit: Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash
Photo credit: Ferdinand Stöhr on Unsplash

Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official workplace and London residency, is said to be haunted by by the ghost of an enchained monk in a brown cowl. It is believed that this monk died in a punishment cell years ago when a monastery existed on the grounds.

The ghost of Major John Gwynne, who served as King Edward VII's private secretary, has also been seen in the first floor office. It was in this office that Gwynne took his own life via a bullet to the head after he and his wife divorced.

Balmoral Castle

Photo credit: Harry Keane on Unsplash
Photo credit: Harry Keane on Unsplash

The ghost of John Brown has been seen lurking around Balmoral Castle, often wearing a kilt. Brown was a servant to Queen Victoria. Stories suggest that the pair had fallen in love; however, these rumors have not been confirmed.

Holyrood Palace

Photo credit: Eleni Afiontzi on Unsplash
Photo credit: Eleni Afiontzi on Unsplash

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly known as Holyrood Palace, was the setting of murder in 1566. Mary, Queen of Scots was said to be having an affair with a man named David Rizzio. When her husband Lord Darnley found out about it, he ordered that Rizzio be murdered.

The murder took place in the dining room, while Mary, who was seven months pregnant, watched. Currently, blood stains are said to randomly appear. Also, Lord Darnley has been said to lurk around the palace. He was later killed after an explosion in the home. Rumor has it that Mary had arranged this in order to seek revenge for the death of Rizzio.

Sandringham House

Photo credit: Getty/Max Mumby/Indigo
Photo credit: Getty/Max Mumby/Indigo

No particular ghosts have been identified at Sandringham House per se; however, strange occurrences have been reported. In the 1980s, Prince Charles reported feeling unexplained sudden blasts of cold air. Other accounts noted books were seen flying off shelves, as well as clock hands moving all by themselves. Other reports detailed Christmas cards flying around the room, blankets were being pulled off beds, and lights going on and off by themselves.

Follow House Beautiful on Instagram.

You Might Also Like