Queen's Norfolk home, Sandringham House, reopens: How well do you know the royal residences?
The idyllic country pile where the Queen spends her Christmas break is reopening to the public after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sandringham House, in Norfolk, is where the Royal Family gathers every December for the festive season, and is also where Prince Philip has lived since he retired.
The wider estate includes Anmer Hall, which is where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been spending lockdown with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Royal residences usually open to the public for tours had to close during the national lockdown, but they are slowly reopening, with social distancing guidelines in place.
Read more: Take a peek around Prince William and Kate's London home as Kensington Palace reopens
Although the state rooms at Buckingham Palace will not open this summer, the royal mews will be able to accommodate visitors, and tours will begin again at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is currently living.
The Royal Collection Trust, which manages the royal households and artefacts, makes most of its money from the summer openings of the palaces. It’s forecast to lose some £30m this year and will have to implement job cuts to weather the storm.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s London home is also to be reopened to the public. Run by Historic Royal Palaces, guests can tour the King’s and Queen’s state apartments, once home to royals including William III and Mary II, as well as Queen Caroline.
Read more: Queen's royal homes to reopen within weeks as staff braced for job cuts
Visitors at Sandringham House and Gardens will have to book their tickets online, to help maintain social distancing, though it’s possible to stay in the gardens until they close at 5pm.
The cafe and the food kiosk are only open for takeaway, and the shop will be limited to 10 people at once, using a one out one in system.
Sandringham House staff will be implementing additional cleaning and there are hand sanitising stations in place.
Staff will be wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
The house will be open to visitors from 6 August.
As the homes begin to reopen, test your knowledge on the royal residences.
