Where is Sandringham Estate and who lives there?

SANDRINGHAM Estate is privately owned by the monarchy, and has been in the Royal family since 1862.

Here, we look at the history of the estate and who has lived there over the years.

Sandringham Palace is where the late Queen traditionally spent Christmas

Where is Sandringham Estate?

Sandringham Estate is in Sandringham, Norfolk.

It was passed on to King Charles, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

Sandringham was traditionally where the Queen spent Christmas, and Charles continued this tradition in his first as King in 2022.

It was purchased as a country home for Edward VII, then Prince of Wales, and his soon-to-be wife, Alexandra of Denmark in 1862.

Who lives in Sandringham Estate?

No one lives permanently at the castle, but it is expected that the King will continue the tradition of spending Christmas at the house.

The Queen hosted Christmas for the Royal Family from 1988 to 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic restricted travel.

In 1957, Queen Elizabeth II gave her first televised Christmas message from Sandringham.

This came 25 years after the first radio broadcast from the house, made by her grandfather, Edward VIII.

Prince Philip lived at Wood Farm, a farmhouse on the grounds of the estate, after retiring from royal duties in 2017.

How big is Sandringham Estate?

The Sandringham Estate covers 20,000 acres of land.

According to the estate’s website, more than 200 people make their living from the estate, including gamekeepers, gardeners, farmers, as well as workers for Sandringham’s sawmill and its apple juice pressing plant. 

The public are allowed to visit both the house and the gardens during certain times in the year, as long as they purchase tickets.

Queen Elizabeth II opened the house to the public during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977.

The house is a Grade II listed building and the landscaped gardens, park and woodlands are on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.

How much is Sandringham Estate worth?

According to Forbes, Sandringham House is estimated to be worth around £60million.

The family is thought to be worth over £24billion.