First look at the Queen’s 15ft and 20ft Christmas trees at Windsor Castle

The festive season has officially begun for the Queen who saw Christmas trees put up at her home of Windsor Castle today.

But while many people will be unboxing last year’s 5ft fake pine from the box, the monarch ensures she doesn’t scrimp on the main attraction in her festive decorations.

Palace staff put up two Nordmann firs, which had been specially chopped down in Windsor Great Park,

In the castle's Crimson Drawing Room, a 15ft tree was erected, while a 20ft version was placed in St George's Hall.

READ MORE: Kate Middleton and Prince William join forces with Mary Berry for festive TV show

Several employees had to climb tall ladders to hang decorations due to their tall height.

As well as red and gold baubles, there were even miniature crowns making an appearance.

While the royal family spend Christmas at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, the festive occasion has become an attraction at the castle, and Her Majesty is expected to be in residence much of December.

The tradition started when Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert imported a 26ft Nordmann fir from Germany one year - a move that kick-started the British obsession with Christmas trees.

READ MORE: 'Meghan Markle currently weaning Archie,' says royal expert

Today’s royal family usually join the Queen from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day at Sandringham.

There is a strict timetable detailing when breakfast is, when the dogs are walked, and when they should go to bed.

It is tradition on Christmas Eve that the family will exchange ‘cheap and cheerful’ gifts and also enjoy a game of charades.

At dinner on December 24th, the men wear black tie and the women change into gowns and wear their most expensive jewellery, including tiaras.

READ MORE: Prince Charles is launching his first fashion collection

On Christmas morning, the family go on a short walk to the 16th Century church of St Mary Magdalene for a 45-minute service.

They will have come down to breakfast dressed in their ‘church’ outfits.

Back home, they will sit down for a Christmas lunch scheduled for just 50 minutes.

This year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are not believed to be planning to spend Christmas with the royal family.

Last month, it was revealed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are considering spending Archie’s first festive season in the US with grandmother Doria Ragland.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'may not spend Christmas with the Queen'

Alternatively, they might opt to celebrate their first Christmas as a family-of-three quietly at home in Frogmore Cottage.

It is understood that couple have informed the Queen that they will not be joining her and Prince Philip this year.

“They need some time away to recharge and decide their plans for next year,” a royal source said to The Sun.

Watch the latest videos from Yahoo Style UK: