King Charles III Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
Sandringham Estate, one of the beloved royal residences of King Charles III, has 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 severe weather from Storm Darragh.
“All ticket holders for this evening’s cancelled event on Saturday 7 December have now been emailed and/or sent a text message,” the message read alongside a photo of the residence and its Winter Light Trail.
An annual festive attraction at Sandringham, the Winter Light Trail is a mile-long trail illuminated by interactive light displays and festive music for the holiday season. The trail was impacted by Storm Darragh’s strong winds and heavy rains. As a result, the park was closed so the estate’s team could conduct the necessary safety checks once the storm was over. All ticket-holders for Saturday’s event were reimbursed.
“Our team on the ground are monitoring conditions on site today and assessing any damage following yesterday’s weather,” Sandringham’s official account continued in their announcement. “We are sincerely hoping to be able to welcome you along to tonight’s (8th Dec) Luminate and will update you further here, at approximately midday or as soon as possible. Thank you for understanding.”
Later in the day, it was confirmed by the estate’s team that the trail had been reopened, writing via Instagram Story, “We have completed our safety checks following yesterday’s closure and are delighted to say we will be open as normal tonight and can’t wait to welcome you!”
The estate’s official website also confirmed the trail’s reopening, saying, “The team have completed safety checks and are delighted to say Luminate Winter Trail will open as normal.” The Winter Light Trail at Sandringham Estate runs from November 21 to December 24.
Unforeseen weather-related closures at Sandringham Estate are not the only things the royal family has on their plate this year as Charles, 76, has dealt with several health issues since undergoing a “corrective procedure” in January for a benign prostate enlargement. Buckingham Palace announced the next month that the king had been diagnosed with an undisclosed “form of cancer,” and Charles had “commenced a schedule of regular treatments.” As a result, he would postpone “public-facing duties.”
As for other royal family members, Charles’ daughter-in-law, Princess Kate Middleton, underwent her own cancer treatment this year as well. She completed a round of chemotherapy in September after she was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.
Queen Camilla, for her part, faced her own health setback this year. In November, Buckingham Palace confirmed the queen had been suffering from pneumonia, but she was on hand for an indoor luncheon on December 3 where she told guests she had gotten sick after her and Charles’ trip to Australia.
Charles returned to his public duties in April. Among those duties also include his and wife Camilla’s 2024 Christmas card, which 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, taken by Millie Pilkington in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace in April 2024,” the caption read.