Windsor Castle staff criticise decision to start using modern duvets

Rex
4 January 2016

Windsor Castle's staff have criticised a decision to move away from traditional bedspreads in favour of modern duvets at the Queen's residence.

The castle's managers have begun to make the shift despite eiderdowns and sheets being long-favoured in the guest bedrooms.

One staff source told the Daily Mail: "They'll be putting chocolates on the pillows next.

"It’s rather old fashioned nowadays but many of those in the Royal Household believe that using sheets, blankets and eiderdowns is one of those traditions that should be retained."

The castle has traditionally used Eiderdowns, which are flat quilts filled with down typically sourced from the eider duck.

Alexandra Messervy, founder of leading etiquette and household management consultancy, The English Manner told the paper: “There is no hard and fast rule on it. It is very much a matter of personal preference. Many like to use a duvet and throw a bedspread on it in order to retain that traditional look.”

As the Queen approaches her nineties she will spend more nights at Windsor Castle and in Scotland than she does at Buckingham Palace, to conserve her energy for the hundreds of royal engagements she fulfils every year.

Buckingham Palace could not be reached for comment but a source told the Mail: "The option of an eiderdown or a duvet has been offered in the guest bedrooms for some time."

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