King Charles's Sandringham estate forced to close last minute amid warnings

King Charles’s Sandringham Estate was unexpectedly forced to close to the public on Sunday afternoon after it was hit by a snowy blizzard. 

The royal property, which is located close to the Norfolk coastline, is covered by a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, with the Met Office advising vigilance and warning locals to expect icy surfaces throughout the East of England. 

The gardens were open to visitors as usual on Sunday morning, but had to close after the area was hit by snow and sleet, despite sunny conditions on Saturday. 

The monarch himself has returned to Clarence House in London after his Christmas stay at Sandringham, so is not currently on site. However, his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, is now living in Wood Farm Cottage on the estate after being exiled from Royal Lodge in Windsor. 

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When did Andrew move to Sandringham?

Andrew officially left Royal Lodge on 2 February and relocated to Sandringham. The move came three months after the King stripped his younger brother of all of his titles, styles and honours following a string of scandals.

Andrew had been embroiled in controversy for years over his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and allegations, which he denies, that he sexually assaulted Virginia Giuffre when she was a teenager and had been trafficked by Epstein.

Last week, he was spotted inside Marsh Farm for the first time. The property will eventually be his permanent home, but is currently undergoing a programme of renovations. 

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When is Sandringham open?

Sandringham is the country retreat of King Charles and welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year, according to the website.

While Sandringham House and its gardens are currently closed, the royal parkland, which includes the courtyard café, shop and children's play area within its 20,000 acres, is accessible to visitors all year round.

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This year, the house and gardens are set to officially open on 28 March and will remain open until 9 October (except for closures between 13 July and 3 August, and 20 to 23 August). Tickets cost £26 when booked in advance. Ticketholders can expect to tour the eight magnificent ground-floor rooms, admiring rare royal items and decoration.