A sudden burst of wintry weather forced the closure of the
King’s Norfolk retreat on Sunday afternoon, as snow and sleet swept
across the flatlands surrounding the royal estate, catching
visitors off guard after a bright and calm weekend.
The sprawling grounds of the Sandringham Estate were shut as icy
conditions took hold, following the issuing of a yellow weather
warning by the Met Office. Officials urged caution across much of
the East of England, warning of slippery roads and pavements as
temperatures dipped.
Garden paths that had welcomed tourists earlier in the morning
were soon blanketed in sleet, prompting staff to usher remaining
visitors from the grounds as the weather deteriorated rapidly. The
sudden turn was in stark contrast to Saturday’s sunshine, which had
drawn crowds keen to enjoy one of the monarch’s most cherished
country residences.
The King himself was not at Sandringham, having returned to
Clarence House following the festive period. But the estate has
recently taken on renewed attention as it becomes a quieter refuge
for his brother, the former Prince Andrew, who has relocated to a
cottage on the grounds after leaving his former Windsor home.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently staying at Wood Farm
Cottage, with plans to move permanently to Marsh Farm once
refurbishment works are completed later in the spring. Sightings of
his vehicle navigating quieter tracks across the estate in recent
days have fuelled speculation about how the former duke is
adjusting to his new, more secluded surroundings.
Sandringham, which draws more than half a million visitors each
year, remains partially accessible despite the closure of the house
and formal gardens. The wider parkland – including cafés, shops and
walking routes across its vast acreage – is open year-round,
weather permitting.
The main house is scheduled to reopen to the public in late
March, offering tours of its historic ground-floor rooms and royal
collections. For now, however, winter has firmly reclaimed the
estate, reminding visitors that even the most grand of royal
retreats are not immune to the sharp bite of a Norfolk
blizzard.
