Storm Chandra has forced the closure of facilities at Sandringham Estate whilst Prince Andrew prepares to relocate to a property situated on a designated flood plain just metres away.
The King’s Norfolk estate shut its Children’s Play Area on Tuesday as dangerous wind conditions swept across the region. Officials posted a notice advising visitors to exercise extra care when exploring the grounds, though the wider estate remained open to the public.
The closure comes as Andrew faces imminent relocation to Marsh Farm, a property located on flood-prone land near the Sandringham estate. His departure from Royal Lodge is expected shortly.
According to the Environment Agency’s flood warning system, local residents have been advised to register for alerts in case existing flood management measures prove insufficient. A flood risk assessment conducted last year for neighbouring Wolferton Barns highlighted potential vulnerabilities in the area’s flood defences.
The assessment noted that Wolferton Pumping Station could fail due to extended mechanical breakdown or disruption to its power supply. Should such circumstances arise and put properties at risk, emergency action would involve deploying temporary pumping equipment to manage flooding.
The Children’s Play Area at Sandringham typically attracts numerous families and ranks among the estate’s most popular attractions. A statement on the estate’s Instagram Stories explained the closure was implemented for visitor safety, with the notice also published on Sandringham’s official website to inform those planning visits.
The Met Office issued warnings for Storm Chandra bringing powerful gusts and substantial rainfall throughout Tuesday. Forecasters predicted flooding and travel disruption across multiple locations as the storm system moved across the country.
The hazardous combination of conditions prompted safety guidance from authorities nationwide, with the Sandringham closure representing one of several precautionary measures taken by venues and attractions.
Andrew’s new residence sits just metres from Wolferton Barns, where last year’s flood risk documentation detailed the operational systems designed to protect properties in the vicinity. The proximity to flood management infrastructure underscores the challenges facing the low-lying area during severe weather events.
Visitors to Sandringham were urged to check the estate’s official channels for updates on facility closures and safety advisories as Storm Chandra continues to affect the region.
