Sandringham looks to the future after historic summit

The eyes of the world were on Sandringham on Monday for a historic summit which would decide the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after the announcement they wanted to “step back” from being “senior royals”.

The meeting between The Queen, Prince Charles, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry was held at Sandringham, the beloved country home of Queen Elizabeth II, located about 100 miles north of London in North Norfolk.

By that evening we had some answers with Her Majesty releasing a very personal statement to the public about her grandson’s future, stating that the Royal Family were “entirely supportive” of the Sussexes desire to “create a new life as a young family”.

“Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family,” the message added.

While the finer details of what Harry and Meghan’s new life will look like moving forward, Sandringham Estate is looking to the future.

Astutely taking advantage of an increase in google searches of “Sandringham” post the summit, details of several upcoming events they public can attend at the Estate have been released.

Sandringham Estate will kick off their public season on April 3^rd, when Sandringham House, Gardens, Transport Museum and Exhibition reopen.

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Sandringham House, built in 1879, is described on its website as “the most comfortable home in England”.

The main ground floor rooms, still with their original Edwardian decor will be open to the public to visit, with tour guides placed in each room to answer questions.

There will also be an audio-guide or guided tour option available.

The rooms feature portraits of the Royal Family painted by modern court artists including Heinrich von Angeli and Edward Huges and feature priceless artworks given as gifts from royals from Russia and Europe.

The house is set within 24 hectares of glorious gardens which are still enjoyed by members of the Royal Family today which are available to tour.

The Sandringham Exhibition & Transport Museum holds an extraordinary collection ranging from the very large – the 1939 Merryweather fire engine – to the very small – tiny Indian doll dancers in the Curio Cupboard.

It also houses a collection of cars owned by the royals, including the first-ever motor car owned by a member of the Royal Family, the Prince of Wales in 1900.

For three days in April, Sandringham will play host to a mix of quality artists, designers, wood-turners and craftsman for the Craft and Wood Festival.

The highlight of the weekend, held from April 10-12, is the Sandringham cup, a woodcarving chainsaw competition which features competitors from over the world.

Shakespeare lovers will have the opportunity to see an outdoor production of “Romeo and Juliet” on June 14.

Presented by The Three Inch Fools Theatre Company, the play will be shown in the grounds of the estate with Sandringham House utilised exquisitely as the show’s backdrop.  

June 21 will see Run Sandringham 2020 take over the Estate, where runners can choose from taking on a half marathon, 5km fun run or a 1-mile family run through the grounds with proceeds going to local charities and organisations.

June will also see the return of Sandringham Horse Driving Trials.

From June 26-28 visitors can see a display of horsemanship and carriage driving within the Sandringham County Park.

The second weekend in July will see an outdoor cinema take up residence in the gardens of the estate.

Visitors will have the opportunity to watch Bohemian Rhapsody or The Greatest Showman from July 10-11.

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The Sandringham Flower Show will return for the 139^th year on July 29.

The prestigious event will showcase many of the leading nurseries and horticultural specialists from the region.

The one-day show attracts around 20,000 visitors annually and is likely to be attended by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.

As well as exquisite garden displays, the royal marquees contain competitions in vegetables, fruit, flowers and floral art.

On July 5^th and August 23^rd, the Grounds of Country Park will play host to several local bands for an open-air concert called Bands in the Country Park.

From the 8-9^th of August, Sandringham turns into a food lover delight for a two-day Food and Drink Festival.

The event will feature market stalls showcasing the best of the regions produce as well as demonstrations from celebrity chefs.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company will bring to life the beloved tale of Alice in Wonderful in Sandringham Garden on August 8.

Two open-air concerts will play in the grounds of Sandringham over the last weekend of August.

Jools Holland & his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra will perform on August 29.

The 30^th of August will see the return of the popular classical musical concert, Proms in the Gardens performed by the English Symphony Orchestra.

The must-see night will also feature a Spitfire flypast and firework finale.

From the 20^th-22^nd of November, Sandringham Gardens will be transformed into a European style Christmas market.

The Sandringham Christmas Craft Food & Gift Fair will feature a wide range of market stalls were decorations, gifts and food can be purchased.

There will also be an ice-skating rink, ice-carving displays and of course, Father Christmas is expected to stop by for a visit!

The Sandringham Cafe and Coffee shop is open year-round to visitors.

It features a seasonal menu of the regions best produce and many of the vegetables are grown by the owners themselves.

Lamb, pheasant, partridge and venison sourced from the Estate will feature on the menu when in season.

The attached gift shop sells locally made jams and preserves to take home.