Royal residence delays public access ahead of Sandringham Christmas walk
A fresh update from King Charles’ team has confirmed the temporary closure of Balmoral Palace after extreme winter weather swept across the region, forcing a halt to public visits for safety reasons.
The estate, cherished by both King Charles and the late Queen Elizabeth, shut its doors on Thursday as heavy snowfall blanketed the grounds and surrounding areas. Friday’s planned tour has also been pushed back, with staff citing ongoing hazardous conditions.
In a message shared on the Balmoral Castle Instagram page, officials announced that Friday’s opening on 21 November would now begin at 11:00 am. They assured visitors holding tickets for the Evening at Balmoral event that it is still expected to go ahead as planned, while reminding the public to take care and stay safe.
Balmoral is a regular retreat for the King, especially after he joins the family for their Christmas celebrations in Sandringham. This year, the royal walk remains a focal point as the family prepares to appear together for the traditional outing.
Reports suggest that Andrew Moutabatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson have been advised not to join activities following the loss of their titles. Even so, there is speculation that King Charles may extend an invitation to their daughters to signal that they remain valued members of the family.
