Windsor

I visited Windsor.
Then I found this and remembered that this has an exciting story.

The establishment of the Church of England represents one of the most profound transformations in English history. It is deeply intertwined with the stories of Windsor Castle, Henry IV, and particularly Elizabeth I. This religious revolution would reshape England's spiritual landscape and its political and social foundations.

The Church of England's origins date to Henry VIII's break with Rome in the 1530s, predating Elizabeth I's reign. His decision to separate from papal authority stemmed from his desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This break created the foundation for the Protestant Anglican Church, though Henry himself maintained many Catholic practices.

During Henry IV's reign (1399-1413), long before this schism, England was firmly Catholic. Windsor Castle's St. George's Chapel, built in the 14th century, is a testament to this Catholic heritage. Despite political upheavals, Henry IV maintained strong ties with the Catholic Church, using religious authority to help legitimize his somewhat controversial claim to the throne. The chapel hosted numerous Catholic ceremonies and remained a center of traditional religious observance.

However, it was under Elizabeth I that the Church of England indeed took its distinctive form. Following the brief Catholic restoration under Mary I, Elizabeth established what became known as the "Elizabethan Settlement." This 1559 religious settlement aimed to find a middle ground between Protestant and Catholic practices, creating a uniquely English form of Christianity. The Act of Supremacy made Elizabeth the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, while the Act of Uniformity standardized religious practices throughout the realm.

Elizabeth's "Via Media" (middle way) attempted to maintain Protestant theology while preserving certain Catholic traditions. This compromise is reflected in the Book of Common Prayer, which standardized Anglican worship services. The settlement required outward conformity to Anglican practices while allowing for some private flexibility in belief, a pragmatic approach that helped reduce religious tensions. This spiritual dimension adds crucial context to our understanding of English history. The Church of England's establishment represents more than just religious change; it exemplifies the complex interplay between spiritual authority, political power, and national identity. Elizabeth I's ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining relative stability marks her as one of England's most successful monarchs.

photo and video are prohibited so it’s from the postcard which I bought;)

I found the flag of the Japanese Imperial family. Then I asked the tour guide at the church.
The chapel is decorated with a crown, imperial flags, and chrysanthemum crest motifs. I

Today, the Emperor is a member of the Order of the Garter.
This has a long history, and in 1906, Emperor Meiji was awarded the Order of the Garter for the sake of the alliance between Japan and Britain, but it was later removed once in World War II and returned to Japan in 1971. (Emperor of Meiji, Taisho, and Showa were awarded the Order of the Garter.). He was awarded the title of the Special Knight of the Garter when he visited England in 1998.)