This marks the end of three decades of tradition.
Even when the British royal family is enjoying a summer holiday, they still regularly make trips that are all about seeing, but especially being seen. This also includes the traditional visit to the Sandringham Flower Show. Traditionally, we see a few Windsors making an appearance here, but this time it turned out to be a big disappointment.
Sandringham Flower Show
Lounging in the sun, waving and smiling, enjoying local delicacies and smelling all the beautiful flowers on display – a visit to the Sandringham Flower Show is certainly no punishment. It has been a tradition for years for members of the royal family to come and soak up the atmosphere. This year, however, that will not happen: for the first time in thirty (!) years, the show will have to do without the Windsors. Although Charles and Camilla are in the area, they were absent during the grand opening that took place yesterday.
Disappointed
Graham Brown, the organisation’s director, told the BBC: “It’s disappointing that the King has other commitments.” Yet he remains level-headed. “But people are here to see the show.” In other words: your loss, Your Highness!
One of the show’s prize winners this year, Michaela Boggis, also shows understanding for Charles’ choice. “It was nice to meet the King last year, that was fantastic. It’s a real shame he can’t be here this year, but of course the family has had some difficulties,” she says.
“We can’t always get what we want.”
To compress
Charles and Camilla themselves will also undoubtedly be disappointed that they will miss the opening of the show this year. The sunny snaps of the couple at the event radiate nothing but pure enjoyment every year.
Image: NL Image
Image: NL Image
Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether they will have the opportunity to continue this fine summer tradition in the coming years. For example, the Royal Horticultural Society has announced that a new exhibition will be organised on the Sandringham estate from 2026.
Director Brown states: “Sandringham is changing and we all need to move with it.” Fingers crossed that C&C will make an appearance next year for the final edition in the traditional style!
Source: BBC | Image: NL Beeld
