Royal well-wishers at Sandringham church could be searched by police

King Charles III waves to well-wishers as he leaves a Sunday church service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham. Credit: OA

Well-wishers hoping to get a glimpse of the King on Christmas Day could be searched as they arrive at his private estate.

Police have issued their latest advice to anyone planning to visit Sandringham to ensure they have the best chance of seeing the monarch and his family as they make their much-anticipated trip to church.

The Royals traditionally walk to St Mary Magdalene Church together on the morning of 25 December, greeting well-wishers on the way, before enjoying a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings afterwards at Sandringham House.

Norfolk Police said visitors should aim to arrive in plenty of time to reach a specially-designated public viewing area.

A spokesperson added: "[We] will have the usual practical and precautionary security measures in place, including searches upon entry, while the stretch of road from the Norwich Gates to the visitors' centre will be closed."

Officers will be on duty in the area to help people accessing and leaving the site.

Sandringham House has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs for more than 160 years, and now belongs to the King, who was seen attending church on the estate at the weekend.

In the past, the King has invited the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their children, the Duke of York and ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, and his nieces Zara Tindall and Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their young families to spend Christmas at Sandringham.

During a visit to the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment in Wiltshire earlier this month, in his role as colonel-in-chief, Prince William told soldiers and their families they had been expecting 45 people "all in one room" celebrating at the royal estate this year.

Camilla’s son, food writer Tom Parker Bowles – who has two children – revealed he is on the guest list for the first.

But the King's brother, the Duke of York, will miss the gathering amid controversy surrounding his links to an alleged Chinese spy. His ex-wife Sarah, Duchess of York, daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, and their families will also not attend.

In a break with recent tradition, King Charles has chosen to record this year’s Christmas message in a tiny hospital chapel, to reflect on the challenging year the family has had.

King Charles III reads cards and messages sent by well-wishers following his cancer diagnosis. Credit: PA

Both Charles and daughter-in-law Kate, the Princess of Wales, were diagnosed with cancer.Last week, it was revealed that the King's cancer treatment was expected to continue into 2025, almost a year since his diagnosis for an enlarged prostate.

The year-end speech, always broadcast at 3pm on Christmas Day, is Charles’ third since he ascended to the throne.


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