King Charles III
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty ImagesSandringham Manor, one of the favorite royal residences of King Charles IIIhas reopened after temporarily closing for “health and safety” reasons.
The estate announced its decision to close part of its winter light trail on Saturday, December 7, via Instagram Story, citing “health and safety” concerns caused by bad weather from Storm Darragh.
“All ticket holders for tonight’s canceled event on Saturday, December 7th have already received an email and/or text message,” the message read next to a photo of the residence and its winter light trail.
An annual holiday attraction in Sandringham, the Winter Light Trail is a mile-long path illuminated by interactive light displays and festive music for the festive season. The trail was affected by Storm Darragh’s high winds and torrential rain. As a result, the park was closed so that the estate team could carry out the necessary safety checks after the storm had passed. All ticket holders for Saturday’s event have been refunded.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed the official return of King Charles III to public duties amid his battle with cancer. “His Majesty the King will soon return to public duties following a period of treatment and recovery following his recent cancer diagnosis,” said a statement released by the palace on Friday, April 26. “To help mark this milestone, (…)
“Our team on the ground are monitoring the conditions on site today and assessing any damage following yesterday’s weather,” Sandringham’s official statement continued in their release. “We sincerely hope to be able to welcome you together with tonight’s (Dec. 8) Luminate and will update you further here at approximately noon or as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.”
Later in the day it was confirmed by the estate team that the trail had reopened, writing via Instagram Story: “We have completed our safety checks following yesterday’s closure and are delighted to announce that we will be open as usual tonight and we can’t wait to welcome you!”
On the estate official site also confirmed the reopening of the trail, saying: “The team have completed safety checks and are pleased to announce that the Luminate Winter Trail will open as normal.” The Sandringham Estate Winter Trail runs from 21 November to 24 December.
Unforeseen weather-related closures at Sandringham Estate aren’t the only things the royal family have on their plate this year, as Charles, 76, has dealt with several health issues since undergoing a “corrective procedure” in January for benign prostatic enlargement. Buckingham Palace announced the following month that the king had been diagnosed with an undisclosed “form of cancer” and Charles had “commenced a schedule of regular treatment”. As a result, he would postpone “public duties”.
King Charles III made his first public appearance since being diagnosed with cancer with his wife, Queen Camilla, by his side. Looking in good spirits as he and Camilla, 76, waved to cheering crowds, the king, who is now Cancer Research UK’s new patron, visited a specialist cancer center in London on Tuesday, April (…)
As for the other members of the royal family, Charles’ daughter-in-law, Princess Kate Middletonunderwent his own cancer treatment this year as well. She completed a round of chemotherapy in September after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.
Queen Camillafor his part, this year he faced his own health. In November, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen had been sick with pneumoniabut she was indoors for lunch on December 3, where she told guests she had fallen ill following her and Charles’ trip to Australia.
Charles returned to his public duties in April. Among these duties are his and wife Camilla’s Christmas card for 2024which was shared via the royal family’s social media accounts on Sunday.
“Christmas is coming… 🎄✨Their Majesties are pleased to share this year’s Christmas card made by Millie Pilkington in Buckingham Palace Gardens in April 2024,” reads the caption.
