King Charles is making the most of life beyond the hustle and bustle of London, but his winter retreat at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk is not just about leisurely walks and snow-covered lawns, but also shows his passion for a long-term vision for the estate.
On January 7, Sandringham’s official Instagram account delighted its followers with stunning images of the estate’s snow-covered gardens that put a new face on the 60-acre landscape that the king had meticulously brought back to life.
The snowy scenes highlight the estate’s topiary garden, the newest addition unveiled in 2023 as a place for reflection and biodiversity, designed to withstand changing weather conditions and provide peace for visitors once the gardens reopen to the public each spring.
Since taking charge of the Sandringham Estate in 2017, Charles has led a remarkable restoration of its gardens and wider grounds, bringing life back to landscapes neglected for decades.
In doing so, he blended tradition and sustainable design, adding elements such as the Topiary Garden, Lower Maze Garden, and Sundial Garden that reflect his lifelong enthusiasm for plants, symmetry, and environmental stewardship.
The inspiration runs deep, with many aspects of Sandringham’s ornamental layout coming from Charles’ own childhood memories, including yew topiaries reminiscent of those planted by Queen Alexandra in the early 20th century.
Historically, the estate’s gardens have roots dating back to the 1860s and earlier, evolving through generations of monarchs and designers.
But it is Charles’ recent stewardship that has brought a renewed sense of space and symbolic design.
From March to October, the gates and paths will open again, inviting the public to explore an estate that reflects not only royal heritage, but also a monarch’s undying love for the natural world.
