Service at St. George's Chapel

No, not hoping for royalty. Just looking to combine a castle visit with a Sunday service.

The Queen goes to Balmoral every August, that's why Buckingham Palace is open to the public, so they probably weren't expecting to see her there at Windsor.

I've been to Windsor during the week, and it was not crowded. We could wander at will. I did bring a binocular, and that helped, to be able to see details of tower, gardens, and even inside with the really high ceiling details and art. I have some Knights of the Garter in my family tree, so we found one of their coat of arms on the ceiling of St George's Hall, and took photos. My daughter loved it.

Hope you have a great time!
-Alison

As it will be mid-August, I will expect it to be busy both weekend and weekday. I guess I am just wondering if, by going to morning service first, I will be placing us in a very long line to get through the ticket gate, rather than coming early at opening on a weekday. Or, perhaps with an advance purchase ticket, it won't matter and we will sail right in after the service?

As it will be mid-August, I will expect it to be busy both weekend and
weekday. I guess I am just wondering if, by going to morning service
first, I will be placing us in a very long line to get through the
ticket gate, rather than coming early at opening on a weekday. Or,
perhaps with an advance purchase ticket, it won't matter and we will
sail right in after the service?

I think your concern about lines on a Sunday in mid-August is legitimate. I would do as you wrote above and go on a weekday and arrive 30 minutes before the gate opens with your ticket in hand. You can buy it online and they will mail it to you. To enjoy a service at St George's which I recommend, consider attending a Choral Evensong which their calendar says will be taking place throughout August. You can always see the castle first thing in the morning, visit the towns of Windsor/Eton and/or take a boat ride on the Thames,, and then return to St George's Chapel for Choral Evensong. You can even do that on a Sunday if you really want to visit on a Sunday. Food for thought.

Evensong is a great compromise—this is what my husband and I did last week when in Windsor. We arrived at 9 a.m. (the castle opens at 9:30) and were about 10th in line. We spent the morning touring the castle, then left at lunchtime and ventured into the town for lunch at a pub and some walks around the town. We came back into the castle complex around 3:30, visited Mary’s dollhouse, and then hung around until evensong began at 5:15.

Be aware that if you choose to leave and return the same day, you must go to the Lower Ward Gift Shop (at the bottom of the hill near the exit) and get a clear wristband. This will allow you re-entry on the same day. We loved choral evensong; there were only 30-40 people there, and we got to sit in the quire near the choir!

Thank you so much for the advice about re-entry the same day. I think that answers my questions and provides more options. Much appreciated.