The entire north end of the Norfolk estate is under scaffolding. It is believed that the monarch would use her own private wealth to pay for the repairs. The Sun reports that visitors to the estate are met with signs apologising for the building works.

These signs read: “Works are under way on the north end of Sandringham House to repair a large area of lead roofing which has remained untouched since 1870 when the house was built.

“It is essential we carry out these works at this time of year when the weather is fair.”

Buckingham Palace have said: “As this relates to work on the Queen’s private estate, it is not something which we would comment on.”

Both King George V, the Queen’s grandfather and George VI, her father, died at Sandringham.

It was purchased for King Edward VII after his father Prince Albert thought purchase of such a residence would help ground him.

The purchase went through after Albert’s death and cost £220,000 (£26.3million when adjusted for inflation) when the finalised in October 1862.

After Edward was married to Alexandra of Denmark, the residence was found to be too small and extended.

When Edward died, he left the estate to Alexandra in his will.

It became the property of George V when she died in 1925.

George gave the first ever royal Christmas speech from a studio on the grounds.

Edward VIII’s only night on the estate during his reign involved in inviting Wallis Simpson for a party, before being called to meet Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin.

Upon his abdication, Sandringham became the private property of the monarchy along with Balmoral and his brother George VI, born at Sandringham, paid £300,000 (£20.8million when adjusted for inflation).

The house, gardens and museum opens annually from the end of March until the end of October for the public to view. 

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