King Charles enforces year-round drone ban amid rising safety concerns
King Charles III has implemented strict new security measures at Sandringham House in response to recent drone activity and growing concerns over the safety of royal family members and visiting dignitaries—including Prince Harry.
The historic royal estate is now under a 365-day drone ban, following sightings of unidentified aerial devices ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the UK in early March. The move, officially signed into law by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on March 6 and effective from March 10, is aimed at protecting those staying at or visiting Sandringham.
The measure comes just weeks before the Duke of Sussex is expected to return to the UK, having previously criticised the country’s security arrangements as “inadequate” and petitioned for police protection. He is due to revisit the UK for the Invictus Games in 2027.
Security concerns escalated when drones were detected hovering near Sandringham hours before President Zelensky’s arrival. One device was traced to a man in a parked car, prompting a swift response from security services. Another was reportedly operated by a photographer, but several drones remain unaccounted for.
A source told The Sun, “It prompted a security scare. The operator was tracked down and spoken to.” Another insider added, “There were several drones over Sandringham and not all were accounted for.”
Previously, drone restrictions at the estate were limited to the winter season, but this new directive now bans aircraft below 2,000ft all year round in the interest of public safety.
With Prince Harry's concerns still under legal review and King Charles reinforcing protections around royal properties, the security spotlight on upcoming royal visits continues to intensify.
