The Royal residence was bought by Queen Victoria in 1863 for £22,000 and became the Royal Family’s smallest Christmas residence since the great fire at Windsor Castle. Discussing the history of this Royal estate, ABC’s Heir Podcast hosts Omid Scobie and Maggie Rulli revealed the House was once considered the “most comfortable in England”. Mr Scobie said: “Sandringham has a great history, although it hasn’t been the home of Royal Christmases for very long, it’s only since the great fire at Windsor Castle that they moved celebrations from there to Sandringham.

“And that’s been the smallest place where they celebrate it but the House itself has a lot of history.”

Ms Rulli said: “It was purchased by Queen Victoria for £22,000.

“I’m guessing it was a lot of money back then but still a bargain!

“And to think that it’s been around since 1863 and the amount of celebrations they’ve had there.

“They’ve had some fires as well and it’s been a personal and private residence in the past.”

At this point, Mr Scobie revealed: “It was once described as the most comfortable home in England.”

To which his ABC’s colleague added: “Oh yes, because it had flushing toilets which back in the day was a huge luxury.”

For New Year’s Eve, the Queen will remain in Norfolk until February 6, the date of the death of her father King George VI in 1952.

But she’ll soon be joined by her friends and family to celebrate the end of the decade.

Prince Philip will be with the Queen in Sandringham after he was released from hospital on Christmas Eve.

Family absentees from the New Year party are Prince William and Kate Middleton, who celebrate with the Duchess’ family.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will also not be at Sandringham having chosen to spend the Christmas period in Canada with their seven-month-old son Archie Harrison.

Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla head to Balmoral in Scotland after Christmas.

On the invite list for the New Year celebrations are guests who weren’t able to spend Christmas with the Queen.

DON’T MISS:
Queen Elizabeth II: How monarch shocked everyone by ‘doing as asked’ [INSIGHT]
How Sophie Wessex stayed by Queen’s side to end difficult year [ANALYSIS]
Royal news: How this royal figure revolutionised her Royal Family role [VIDEO]

According to reports, there is an open invitation to all members of the Queen’s family.

Family members are also encouraged to attend the annual New Year’s Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church.

The guests arrive once Sandringham has been prepared by the estate staff.

Reportedly, the Queen heads to bed at midnight every night and wakes up at around 8.30am each morning.

Reports suggest that when the Queen is hosting family members, no one is allowed to go to bed before her.

Source: Read Full Article