The Governor and Professor Nimmo have had the honour of a private audience with His Majesty King Charles III at the magnificent 8,000-hectare Sandringham estate in the Norfolk coast area of England.
Sandringham holds a rich history dating back centuries. Initially documented in the Domesday Book as part of Dersingham, it became known as Sandringham over time. The current house stands on a site with evidence of human habitation since 1296, including prehistoric and Roman artifacts nearby.
Acquired in 1862 by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), as a private retreat away from London, Sandringham underwent significant transformations. The original Georgian structure was replaced with a new house by A.J. Humbert, reflecting the Prince's growing family and his desire for a healthier country lifestyle.
Since then, Sandringham has been cherished by successive generations of the Royal Family, with King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II maintaining a deep affection for the estate. The estate's grounds and gardens have been open to the public since the early 20th century, reflecting its historical and cultural significance.
The Vice-Regal couple are partway through an official diplomatic visit to the United Kingdom and France, and head to Paris on Thursday to represent Queensland at the Olympics, as we look forward to our own Brisbane Games in 2032.