King Charles facing 'challenge' over Sandringham estate as visitors issued stark warning
King Charles’ Sandringham estate is currently dealing with a wasp infestation
King Charles has reportedly been facing an unexpected challenge on his beloved Sandringham Estate, as a surge in wasp activity threatens to disrupt visitor experiences at the royal retreat.
The Norfolk-based estate has apparently fallen victim to a widespread wasp infestation following the driest spring in 50 years, creating ideal breeding conditions for the stinging insects.
According to reports, with tourism at its peak during the warmer months, staff at Sandringham have taken urgent action to protect guests.
King Charles faces ‘challenge’ at Sandringham
“King Charles is known for his love of the environment,” a source told The Sun. “But everyone is aware too many wasps could be a problem for visitors. Wasps are a critical part of the ecosystem and nobody wants to harm them. This year there have been far more than is normal, which is why it is a challenge.”
Signage has also reportedly warned tourists visiting the 20,000-acre property of the high insect activity.
According to the publication, one sign also reads: “Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area.”
Rubbish bins and dumpsters across the estate have been sealed or covered in cloth to reduce the risk of attracting swarms. Meanwhile, plastic wasp traps have been set up to safely contain the insects before releasing them elsewhere.
Last month, pest control was reportedly called in to deal with three wasp nests found at the Royal Stud.
Royal Insider has contacted reps for the estate for comment.
Meanwhile, during an appearance at Ebor Festival in York this week, Queen Camilla revealed her “terrible” battle with wasps.
As reported by GB News, Camilla told Harry and Seline Silk of Knavesmire Nectar that her own bees “keep swarming”. She then said the wasps have been “terrible”.
Sandringham ‘closed its doors’ for summer
Meanwhile, Sandringham recently closed its doors to the public for a four-day stretch due to the Heritage Live concert series.
Artists including Mariah Carey, The Pet Shop Boys, Michael Bublé, and Stereophonics took to the stage on the grounds of the estate.
Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area.
“The Sandringham Estate will be closed to general visitors from 14th–17th August for Heritage Live’s concert series,” read a statement on the estate’s official Instagram page. “This includes our Visitor Centre car parks, and Courtyard facilities (including our café and restaurant). We look forward to welcoming visitors back from the 18th August onwards.”
The event offered guests a rare opportunity to experience the royal grounds in a new light.
View this post on Instagram
King Charles’ VJ Day speech
Despite not being present at Sandringham this summer, King Charles has remained active in his royal duties.
On Friday, August 14, he marked the 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) with a moving pre-recorded speech delivered from the Morning Room at Clarence House.
“We recall, too, the prisoners of war who endured years of brutal captivity. The starvation, disease and cruelty that tested the very limits of human endurance,” he said.
“Their experience reminds us that war’s true cost extends beyond battlefields… a tragedy all-too vividly demonstrated by conflicts around the world today.”
He concluded the six-minute message by quoting the epitaph at the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in Kohima: “When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.”
The king will spend the rest of the summer on the royal family’s Balmoral estate in Scotland before he properly returns to duties in September.
What do you think? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page. We want to know your thoughts!
