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.
