An exclusive inside look at a year in the life of the world's largest inhabited castle.

Event planning at the castle requires a team of more than 300 people to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Queen Elizabeth's housekeeper, her grooms, fender smiths and flag men, picture restorers, military knights and priests all play a critical role in preparing for events, including state visits. Six months of planning have gone into preparations for the arrival of France's President and Madame Chirac to mark the centenary of Entente Cordiale. In addition to an official state dinner, guests will be treated to an abridged version of Les Miserables , performed in the Waterloo Chamber (diplomatically renamed the Music Room for the night). As protestors gather outside the castle and disrupt traffic, delays could upset all of the hard work and planning.