Visitors to the Sandringham estate have been able to enjoy much of 20,000 acres of the vast area during recent weeks, but on Saturday, one key part will be shut to the general public.
Sandringham News & Updates confirmed that the St Mary Magdalene Church, where the King annually visits during the Christmas holidays, will be shut. The update read: “Please note that on Saturday 25th April, St Mary Magdalene Church will be closed from 2pm for a private event.“
The same message can be found on Sandringham’s official website, which gives more details about the church. “St Mary Magdalene, the parish church of Sandringham, is used regularly as a place of worship by The Royal Family when in residence – most notably at Christmas time,” it reveals.
“The beautiful medieval church is free to visit when the House and Gardens are open, and has held many celebrations, such as Princess Charlotte’s christening, as well as memorials to members and relations of The Royal Family from Queen Victoria onwards.”
The private event hasn’t been confirmed, but on Saturday, members of the royal family will be commemorating ANZAC Day.
The event, which is mostly held in Australia and New Zealand, honours those who lost their lives in military conflicts, with the date marking the anniversary of the 1915 Gallipoli landings, the first major military action in World War I where Australians and New Zealanders fought.
Sandringham closures
The Sandringham estate has already endured several closures this year, including the Children’s Play Area, which is free-to-access. Confirming the temporary closure, an update read: “Please note that the Children’s Play Area will be closed on Monday 9th March for seasonal maintenance ahead of the House and Gardens opening. Thank you for your understanding.”
The popular outdoors playground reopened later in the month and is typically open all year round. The park boasts a tower built amongst the trees, as well as playing on a log swing and climbing frames.
© GC ImagesA stunning slide complex on the grounds draws inspiration from the Appleton water tower, a Victorian building installed in 1877 to improve the water quality at the nearby Sandringham House.
One visitor wrote that the play park is an “epic adventure playground” and “will keep the kids entertained for hours while you sip on luxurious hot chocolate or coffee from the cafe on the grounds” in a social media review post re-shared by the estate.
The park also faced closure back in January when Storm Chandra was blowing through the United Kingdom. “Notice: Due to high winds, we have made the decision to close the Children’s Play Area for the safety of our visitors. We advise you to take extra care when exploring the Estate grounds today,” a statement shared to the Sandringham Estate Instagram account read.
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