King Charles' country home's bank holiday plans include secret nod to Princess Charlotte


The King has opened Sandringham to the public for the May half-term by putting on a range of activities for young families


 King Charles, princess kate and princess charlotte superimposed over exterior shot of sandringham house© Getty Images
Katie Daly
Katie DalyLifestyle Writer
12 hours ago
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The bank holiday and the May half-term are almost upon us, and King Charles is opening one of his homes to the public with a range of activities to keep visitors busy. The Sandringham estate, the King's country home in Norfolk, released a carousel on Instagram on Wednesday to share a jam-packed itinerary.

Activities included in the line-up were mini golf, a forest school and an exhibition that will open to celebrate the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth in the Sandringham Arboretum. Meanwhile, one has a link to Princess Charlotte – the family archery on 24 and 31 May. 

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A special nod to Princess Charlotte 

In 2023, the King's granddaughter put her archery skills on full display while joining her parents, the Prince and Princess of Wales. She took part in the Big Help Out during a visit to the 3rd Upton Scouts Hut in Slough, which is a day when people are encouraged to volunteer in their communities.  

Princess Charlotte of Wales tries her hand at archery © getty
Princess Charlotte of Wales tries her hand at archery

The young princess was skilled with a bow and arrow, as were her brothers, Princes George 12, and Louis, eight. William and Kate also tried their hand at archery. 

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Of the introduction of archery at Sandringham, the message on the estate's official Instagram read: "A fantastic fun activity, whether you're a complete beginner or returning to improve your aim, the fully trained GB instructor will be with you throughout the archery experience."

When does Princess Charlotte go to Sandringham?

Though Princess Charlotte will likely spend her own half-term at home at Forest Lodge rather than in Norfolk, the Wales family do often spend summer breaks at their country home, Anmer Hall, which is a short five-minute drive from Sandringham House.

Anmer Hall is close to the Sandringham Estate© Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty
Anmer Hall is close to the Sandringham Estate

Anmer Hall, which was a wedding gift from the late Queen Elizabeth to William and Kate, features 10 bedrooms, as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a private tennis court, and vegetable gardens. 

Inside Anmer Hall

Unlike Sandringham House, Anmer Hall remains closed to the public as it is the Wales family's private residence. However, in 2024, the interior and grounds of the residence featured in a touching montage captured by filmmaker Will Warr to announce to the public that Kate had completed her chemotherapy treatment.  

michael middleton, princess charlotte and princess kate playing a game at home© Will Warr
The decor is a departure from traditional royal style

In the video, the family of five are seen playing cards with Kate's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, from the comfort of Anmer Hall's dining room. A departure from the grand styling of the banquet hall at Windsor Castle, where the couple have since attended several state banquets, the space featured a bohemian aesthetic with a dresser full of crockery and printed plates adorning the walls. 

prince william, michael middleton, prince george, princess charlotte and prince louis© Will Warr
A look inside the dining area at Anmer Hall

Leafy green houseplants and fresh flowers dress the space, alongside patterned curtains and several lamps to warm it up.

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