For many families, picking out a Christmas tree is a cherished festive tradition.
But for those hoping to grab theirs near the Prince and Princess of Wales’ new Windsor home, the experience might be a bit more complicated this year.
The Christmas Tree Shop, which opened on Thursday, has long been a seasonal draw.
Its trees are grown on the estate next to the Waleses’ new residence, attracting hundreds of visitors every year in the weeks leading up to December 25.
New Road Layout Creates Confusion
To protect the royal family’s privacy, access to the area has been altered.
Cars can no longer drive directly past the eight-bedroom home, with shoppers now required to follow a circular route adding over a mile to the journey.
Traffic cones mark the new temporary road layout, but early reports suggest confusion and near misses.
One local said, “I have already seen a few near misses where people have driven the wrong side of the cones.”
Extra Security on Site
Security around the shop has also been increased.
Two royal officers are stationed in the car park during business hours to ensure no one strays onto the estate.
A local resident noted, “A car was parked with what looked like two plain-clothes officers inside to prevent anyone from entering the lodge’s grounds.
The shop is right next door, so it makes sense that they’re keeping a close eye on things.”
Sandringham Curtains Become Unique Christmas Stockings
If proximity to royal-grown trees isn’t enough to make your holidays special, there’s also a chance to own a piece of royal history.
Starting today, an online auction is offering 24 stockings made from recycled gold damask curtains once hung at Sandringham, the Royal Family’s Norfolk retreat.
The 25th stocking is being kept aside as a gift for the King himself.
The project is organised by The King’s Foundation, a charity dedicated to sustainable communities and preserving heritage arts and crafts, which benefits over 15,000 students each year.
From Dumfries House to Your Living Room
The Sandringham fabric was sent to Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, where the Dumfries House Sewing Bee community group transformed the cloth into the stockings.
Each one took more than six hours to complete.
Sarah McClymont, lead tutor for The King’s Foundation’s Future Textiles initiative, said, “This was such an exciting project for the Sewing Bee.
Working with historically significant fabric was a real honour.
We hope whoever wins a stocking will treasure it as a family heirloom for decades.”
A Royal Touch to the Festive Season
From re-routed roads and extra security to heirloom stockings made from royal drapes, this Christmas, shopping near the Windsor estate promises to be memorable.
For visitors and collectors alike, it’s a festive season with a distinctly royal twist.
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