Royal enthusiasts can now catch a glimpse of former Prince Andrew’s new residence as the King’s team has modified the route of the summer “safari” tours at his Norfolk estate.
The guided tours, which navigate guests around the King’s Sandringham property using a Land Rover Defender, provide a unique opportunity to admire the country estate in all its splendor. The ‘Safari and Afternoon Tea Tour,’ lasting two hours, commences in the formal sections, showcasing the gardens and exterior of Sandringham House, reconstructed in 1870 to accommodate Edward VII’s expanding family.
Following the initial part of the tour, visitors are led to explore the picturesque landscapes of the wider estate, culminating in a stop at the rear of Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s new residence, Marsh Farm. The tours now venture off-road across the fields behind Andrew’s home before utilizing his shared driveway to access the road in the village of Wolferton.
The King’s disgraced brother was compelled to vacate his 30-room Royal Lodge residence in Windsor earlier this year due to his connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew, 66, was prominently featured in numerous documents released by the US State Department regarding Epstein’s criminal activities. Consequently, the monarch stripped Andrew of all his titles and honors last October, expressing deep concerns over the allegations.
Andrew faced arrest by Thames Valley police on his birthday, February 19, on charges of misconduct in a public office. An ongoing investigation is probing accusations that he disclosed confidential information to Epstein while serving as a trade envoy for the British government. Several UK law enforcement agencies are also examining various claims concerning his ties to the deceased billionaire financier, with US authorities seeking his cooperation in their investigations.
Since his expulsion from the royal family, Andrew has largely maintained a low profile, making rare appearances walking with a security detail on the Sandringham estate and observing horses near his new five-bedroom residence.
Guests on the tours are guided through the formal gardens, then led across the wider estate to witness the King’s organic farmland and forests, home to deer, hares, and birds of prey. Participants also have the opportunity to learn about significant areas such as the Wash, a picturesque shallow bay teeming with wintering birds.
Tickets for the tours can be purchased on the Sandringham estate website, offering an enchanting experience aboard a Land Rover Defender exploring the Royal Sandringham Estate, including a visit to the Royal Station platform in the village of Wolferton. The tour concludes with a delightful Afternoon Tea featuring local produce, ensuring an exclusive and intimate experience limited to a maximum of six individuals.
Another tour operator suggests that royal enthusiasts can traverse stunning landscapes, rolling meadows, serene organic farmland, and enchanting forests under the guidance of an expert estate guide, providing insights into its management.
Queen Elizabeth II traditionally hosted her family at Sandringham every Christmas from 1988, except during periods of covid restrictions. She has fondly recounted the cherished memories created during the festive season, often staying until the anniversary of her father, King George VI’s death on February 6.
King Charles III’s great-grandfather, George V, affectionately referred to the family’s Norfolk retreat as “Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world.” George VI echoed similar sentiments in a letter to his mother, expressing his enduring happiness and love for the estate.