Sandringham has long been known as a favourite royal residence. For over a century, the Monarch will spend several weeks there every year. However, it has a particularly special meaning for Queen Elizabeth II, and she has returned there to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
The Queen marks her Accession Day, 6 February, each year at the Sandringham estate (she was unable to travel there in 2021 due to the global health crisis). Although it seems like it might be a celebratory day, the Queen will spend the day in quiet contemplation.
While 6 February marks the day that she ascended the throne, it also marks the day that her beloved father passed away at Sandringham. Elizabeth was in Kenya at the time to begin a tour in place of her father. The Duke of Edinburgh had to break the news to his wife, and then they immediately flew home.
In most years, The Queen will spend her Christmas holidays at Sandringham, with the rest of the senior royals joining her, and then will stay until after 6 February. When spending Christmas at Sandringham, the holiday decorations are left up until after Accession Day.
The Queen chose to celebrate the holiday season in 2021 at Windsor Castle. Late last week, she journeyed to Sandringham via helicopter ahead of 6 February.
The Queen’s grandfather, King George V, began the tradition of spending the holidays at the Norfolk estate. The future-King Edward VII bought the property in 1862 as a home for him and his new wife. The Prince of Wales developed the estate for shooting and house parties.
Both King George V and King George VI died at Sandringham. George V died on 20 January 1936, and George VI on 6 February 1952.
From 9 April to 13 October, there will be a special exhibition in the ballroom at Sandringham. Her Majesty The Queen at Sandringham: An Exemplary Reign and a Unique Country House will look at the royal family’s relationship with Sandringham, including photographs of the Queen’s love of nature and animals. It will also include special footage from the first televised Christmas Day broadcast, recorded at Sandringham in 1957.
