who owns sandringham

Direct answer: Sandringham Estate is privately owned by the British monarch, i.e., the reigning king or queen. The estate has been in royal hands since it was purchased in 1862 for Prince Albert Edward (the future King Edward VII) and has remained a private royal residence ever since. In recent years, discussions and media coverage have centered on the ownership of Sandringham House itself and which members of the Royal Family reside there, but the estate and house are considered private property of the Crown, not government- owned. As of late 2025, high-profile reports confirm that the property remains under private royal ownership and is used as a country retreat and venue for royal events.