Residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead have been granted free access to Windsor Castle for over a decade - all thanks to a magic yellow card.

Those in the Borough can apply for an Advantage Card, which brings down prices of local shops and attractions such as Windsor Castle and Legoland.

However, The Royal Collection Trust has revealed that the free entry into the castle will be coming to an end on June 1.

The news has been met with an outcry from residents, who feel like entry to the popular attraction is a fair exchange for welcoming the world to Windsor.

As reported by the Windsor Liberal Democrats, from June, residents will need to pay 50 per cent of the ticket price rather than enjoying unlimited access.

Children up to the age of 17 will go free per paying adult.

Windsor Parliamentary Candidate, Julian Tisi said, "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. In return, we get to live and work near one of the most iconic buildings in the world- and visit when we choose." 

Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Lead Member for Windsor, Cllr Amy Tisi added: "I am shocked that the free entry offer has been withdrawn for residents without consultation.

"We consider those in the 'big house on the hill' to be our neighbours and want to work with them on this to ensure no resident is priced out of visiting the castle."

As a result, a campaign has been launched requesting the Royal Collection to reconsider its plans.

Julian said: "I'm calling on the Royal Collection  to reconsider this decision and to sit down with me and RBWM to come to an arrangement that makes business sense but still gives free access to the castle for residents "

A Royal Collection Trust spokesperson said: "We regularly review our pricing against other organisations in the sector and based on this, updated our current Advantage Card offer to be in line with other businesses in the borough.

"We are continuing to explore ways to make the Castle as accessible as possible to visitors from the local area, with current initiatives including free visits for community organisations working with under-represented groups, and a travel subsidy and access scheme for schools working with children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 

"Income generated from admissions to the Castle contributes directly to the Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of the Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational programmes."