King Charles’ country retreat, Sandringham, is set to close its doors over the summer.

The 20,000 acre estate is waving goodbye to the public in the next few days. Here is everything you need to know…

King Charles’ home Sandringham to close for visitors for a few days

The official Instagram page of the sprawling estate released a message ahead of the Heritage Live concerts.

The upcoming shows will see the likes of The Pet Shop Boys, Mariah Carey, Stereophonics, and Michael Bublé performing for guests.

Consequently, the usual schedule of the estate has changed.

“The Sandringham Estate will be closed to general visitors from 14th-17th August for Heritage Live’s concert series,” the social media message stated.

“This includes our Visitor Centre car parks, and Courtyard facilities (including our cafe and restaurant). We look forward to welcoming visitors back from the 18th August onwards. Thank you in advance for your understanding.”

Although the king won’t be in residence at the time, guests will be welcomed for a glimpse into royal life whilst enjoying a string of performances.

Sandringham to host concert series

Charles and his royal relatives often spend the summer months at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Meanwhile, Sandringham is favoured in the colder months, especially at Christmas time.

Online Royal Correspondent for Hello, Danielle Stacey, said of the closure: “While the king has spent some time at Sandringham earlier this month, it has always been tradition for the royals to spend Christmas in Norfolk and summer in Scotland at Balmoral – a precedent set by his mother, the late queen.

“The sprawling estate at Balmoral affords the royals a greater deal of privacy, allowing them to fish, hike, and have barbecues in a peaceful Highlands setting.”

The home boasts sprawling acres (Credit: Shutterstock)

The royal family’s love for Sandringham

Evidently, Sandringham has been much loved by the royals for decades, serving as a home for five generations of British monarchs.

In fact, it has been well documented just how much they adore the estate.

King George V, once wrote of the residence, according to their official website: “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.”

His grandson, King Charles‘ grandfather, King George VI, once said of the country retreat: “I have always been happy here and I love the place.”
The royals usually favour Sandringham at Christmas (Credit: Paul Marriott/Shutterstock)

History of Sandringham

The gardens at Sandringham were first opened to the public by King Edward VII in 1908.

Queen Elizabeth II opened Sandringham House itself to the public in 1977, her silver jubilee year.

Sandringham House is privately owned by the royal family. When Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, the estate was passed to her son, King Charles.

The estate has been owned by the royals since 1862.

That year, it was purchased for Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Prince Albert Edward, who later became King Edward VII.

The current house was built between 1869 and 1870. It was designed by architect A.J. Humbert and built in a Jacobean style.

Read more: King Charles and Queen Camilla to attend special service as Kate Middleton and Prince William absent from announcement