BRITAIN-US-ROYALS-WEDDING
People walk along the Long Walk leading up to Windsor Castle in Windsor, west of London on May 8, 2018. - Britain's Prince Harry and US actress Meghan Markle will marry on May 19 at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

Locals residing near Windsor Castle have reportedly expressed their disappointment as the historic practice of complimentary entry for neighboring residents, upheld for two centuries, is set to cease.

Residents, criticizing the decision, argue that they "deserve something back for welcoming so many tourists into their town" over the years.

The Royal Collection Trust is discontinuing the longstanding benefit that grants complimentary access to residents holding a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card, effective next month.

King Charles
 Britain's King Charles III attends the presentation of Addresses by both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, inside the Palace of Westminster, central London on September 12, 2022, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. HENRY NICHOLLS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Starting June 1st, cardholders will no longer enjoy free admission to the venerable castle, but instead, they will be eligible for a discounted rate of 50%, priced at £15 in advance or £16.50 on the day, inclusive of free entry for one child up to the age of 17.

King Charles, 75, utilizes the 1,000-year-old fortress in Berkshire as one of his official residences. This operational palace frequently hosts investitures and state visits, yet it remains accessible to the public year-round.

In 1837, Queen Victoria began offering tickets to visitors, which could be acquired from the Lord Chamberlain's Office or certain booksellers in London.

The King And Queen Consort Visit Scotland
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, waves as they leave Dunfermline Abbey, after a visit to mark its 950th anniversary, and after attending a meeting at the City Chambers in Dunfermline where the King formally marked the conferral of city status on the former town on October 3, 2022 in Dunfermline, Scotland. Andrew Milligan - Pool/Getty Images

Julian Tisi, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate, mentioned that locals were pleased to host millions of tourists annually and, in exchange, enjoyed the privilege of visiting the renowned castle at their convenience.

Tisi, advocating for support of a petition opposing the change, stated: "For many of us who live in Windsor, visiting the castle for free is a great pleasure. Some locals pop in to use the excellent cafe and who hasn't taken visiting relatives for a day trip?"

"Windsor, and specifically the castle, is visited by millions of people from around the world. During the season, residents gladly welcome tourists to their shops and restaurants, they drive them around in taxis and are happy to give directions in the street," Tisi continued. "In return, we get to live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world — and visit when we choose."

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King Charles, Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II