Residents of rental properties on King Charles' Sandringham estate in Norfolk have raised concerns about a vermin infestation in the gardens. The issue was brought up at a recent Sandringham parish council meeting, where a resident highlighted the presence of pests in the gardens of approximately 300 rental properties.
Rob Timmins, the estate manager for Sandringham, stated at the meeting that pest control is the responsibility of the tenant, or 'occupier,' rather than the property owner. This issue comes to light after Prince Andrew, who now resides on the estate at Marsh Farm, experienced a mole infestation earlier this year.
The problem is believed to extend beyond moles, with rats and mice reportedly attracted to the estate's crops and food sources. A contributing factor cited by tenants is a prohibition on keeping cats, a rule that dates back to Queen Elizabeth II's time. While one explanation for the ban was to protect wildlife, particularly young game birds like pheasants and partridges, tenants suggest it allows rodent populations to proliferate.
One anonymous tenant told the Daily Mail that while rodents are common in agricultural areas, most residents would typically manage their numbers with a cat. However, the ban prevents this, and internal traps are not always effective. Furthermore, poison bait stations cannot be used outdoors due to potential harm to other wildlife, such as hedgehogs.
It is understood that no formal complaints about vermin have been lodged by tenants to the Sandringham Estate. Reports from 2014 by Country Life suggested Queen Elizabeth II had an allergy to cats, which may have influenced the ban. In 2016, Natural England noted an inability to investigate suspicious deaths of wood pigeons on the estate, stating the area appeared to have been 'cleaned up' early one morning. In another instance, estate staff reportedly burned the body of a goshawk, a protected bird, hindering investigation into its death.
Historical concerns about wildlife management on the estate have also been raised. In 2020, Prince William faced scrutiny after a protected little owl was found killed in a trap set by gamekeepers on the 20,000-acre estate. This trap was reportedly used to kill vermin that prey on pheasant and partridge eggs. More broadly, a 2023 Guardian report identified 18 cases over two decades involving suspected wildlife offenses or alleged misuse of poisons linked to the Royal estate and adjacent farmlands. These cases included the disappearance of rare birds of prey.
A pest control company, Command Pest Control, which holds a Royal Warrant, was recently observed leaving Prince Andrew's residence on the estate. The company specializes in the removal of moles, rats, mice, squirrels, and wasp nests, promising swift and humane solutions.
A spokesperson for Sandringham previously stated that the estate "fully supports and cooperates with any investigation into alleged wildlife or pesticide incidents." They have also asserted that the majority of allegations cited by The Guardian were either investigated with no further action or were unsubstantiated.
In one of the few legal actions, a Sandringham gamekeeper was fined in 2006 for maiming a protected tawny owl in a trap. Three other charges, including the incorrect use of rat poisons, were dropped.