Inside King Charles' ever-changing private Sandringham estate – before and after photos

Pictured in 1894, here is the Drawing Room at Sandringham House in all its glory. More is more was the design notion of the era, with lavish drapes, intricate cornice details, plenty of ornate furniture and an array of potted palms. A large sculpture was also the centrepiece of the space. Did you know that the term 'drawing room' derives from the word 'withdrawing', as it is where you would 'withdraw' to after eating?

The carved mouldings around the ceiling and doors remain intact, keeping the exquisite grandeur of the room. It is now a little more modern with less furniture, providing a slightly more minimal approach. A mix of chairs, both sturdy and more comfortable, continued to give the space a multipurpose element.

York Cottage, which sits on the Sandringham estate, was originally built as additional rooms for guests of Sandringham House. It was gifted by the future King Edward VII to his son Prince George, the Duke of York (later King George V) in 1893, and he lived there for 33 years. It was pictured here in 1894, perfectly showcasing its beauty and lakeside location.

The splendid house retains much of its previous exterior, just with fewer climbing plants obscuring the walls. While it was once falsely rumoured to be a place being prepared for Andrew to move into, it is in fact home to the estate's office.

A photograph from 1910 reveals that Sandringham was once home to a bowling alley. The narrow room with curved ceiling was adapted into a US-style alley by order of King Edward VII after he replicated one he liked on his travels.

As much as the royal grandchildren would love it, sadly, the bowling alley was ripped out and transformed into a library, now known as the 'Long Library'. Interestingly, it is where Queen Elizabeth II gave the very first television broadcast of the iconic Christmas Day speech.  

In a picture unearthed from 1927, Sandringham railway station, which used to serve the royal estate, is showcased. The train was a popular way to travel around the country for royals, and until 1965, it was how the family arrived at the estate for their Christmas break.

The station ceased to be used in 1969, and the royal train itself is due to be decommissioned by 2027. However, the station has been kept immaculately and is now a museum for royal fans to visit.

The house and its striking lawn were photographed in 1952. The raised flower beds, abundant pots and climbing foliage at the side of the property come together to make a postcard-worthy exterior.

A black-and-white image from the 20th century shows the full exterior of St. Mary Magdalene Church, which sits on the Sandringham grounds. The front of the building is covered with climbing ivy, and a small graveyard area can be seen. Inside, it is reported to have a silver altar and a Greek font.

The spectacular countryside location is the most elegant backdrop for a garden party, and in 1946, the then-Princess Elizabeth looked poised and perfect in a floral dress, attending a regal garden party.

A picture taken in 1969 shows Queen Elizabeth II with her husband Prince Philip, alongside their four children, then-Prince Charles, Princess Anne, (former Prince) Andrew and Prince Edward. This rare photo shows 'normal' family life in one of their very grand sitting rooms.

King Charles III and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky pose for a photo in the Saloon at Sandringham when they met in 2025. The tell-tale sign that this is the same room is the fact that the same square panelling still features on the wall.