Good Morning, Your Majesty!

Last updated at 15:51 06 October 2005


Millions of Americans have woken up with Her Majesty today as Good Morning America broadcasts live from inside Windsor Castle in a bid to boost the UK's tourism industry.

Two of the breakfast show's stars, Charlie Gibson and Claire Shipman, will front the programme from the largest occupied castle in the world.

The Queen has given her permission for the use of her official residence, which has been a royal home and fortress for more than 900 years.

But she is staying out of sight and will remain at Balmoral in Scotland.

Lighting engineers and technical staff working for the US channel ABC set up their equipment yesterday, erecting powerful lamps and laying cables.

It is the first time such a television venture

has taken place at the Queen's royal residences.

Rather than sitting behind a desk, the presenters will be followed by cameras as they walk through the Berkshire Castle.

The historic Waterloo Chamber and St George's Hall, as well as in the kitchens and St George's Chapel, will be among the backdrops.

Grahame Hadden, ABC's chief overseas engineer, said: "We're all very excited to be here. From a professional point of view, I don't think it's been done before."

Tomorrow, Good Morning America will broadcast from London's Buckingham Palace and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

The programme is the second most watched

breakfast show in the US.

It is hoped the event will encourage more Americans to travel to the UK on holiday.

VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: "Although 2004 was a record year for international visitor arrivals to the UK, British tourism is facing a challenging time.

"Visits by Americans - our most important market - have still not returned to 2000 levels.

"The Royal Family's popularity in the USA, as well as royal heritage and our historic palaces and attractions, will help us encourage support for British tourism and remind consumers that there is still plenty of reason to visit Britain."

The Duke of York has given ABC an interview about tourism as part of the project.

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