King's garden inspired by planet Venus to open at Windsor Castle

A historic garden at Windsor Castle has been transformed and is now opening to visitors this summer.

The newly designed green space is inspired by, and named after, the planet Venus.

The design, which King Charles III helped with, is based on the shape made by Venus as it travels around the Sun.

Visitors will be able to walk through colourful flower beds, wildflower meadows and pathways lined with hedges.

The new garden has taken around 18 months of transformation to create.

Adam Scott, gardens and nursery manager at Windsor Castle, said: "This has been a significant project to reshape this historic garden for the future.

"Reflecting His Majesty's vision to create a space that will offer beauty, interest and biodiversity throughout the seasons and for generations to come."

The redesign is an important chapter in the garden's 200-year history.

The garden which sits below the castle's famous East Terrace has a significant royal history.

It was once used as a bowling green by King Charles II.

During World War Two, the then Princess Elizabeth - who later became Queen Elizabeth II - and her sister Princess Margaret, grew vegetables there.

The space was later redesigned by Prince Philip with formal rose gardens and a fountain.

The updated garden has also been created to help wildlife, with many of the plants and flowers chosen to attract insects and support biodiversity - something the King is especially keen to support.

More than 11,000 spring bulbs have been planted, as well as rows of pear trees.

Visitors will also be able to spot sculptures and marble vases.

The Venus Garden will be open from 16 July to 13 September this year.