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Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
'Heartbreaking': Princess Diana's childhood home left to rot just steps away from King Charles' Sandringham Palace
credits: instagram/retro__ralph Less than 500 metres from the beautiful and immaculate lawns of Sandringham House, which is owned by the UK Royal family, stands a haunting sight — the once-lively childhood home of Princess Diana, now abandoned and crumbling. Park House, once filled with royal laughter and childhood memories, has fallen into disrepair. Faded paint, rotting wood, and broken sheds now tell a silent story of neglect — and it's breaking hearts in Norfolk. Selina Raines, a 38-year-old resident of nearby Snettisham, was devastated when she learned of the Princess Diana's childhood house's condition which is just steps away from King Charles' Sandringham House. 'It's heartbreaking to learn how the house has been left,' she said. 'If locals knew, they'd be shocked.' A barmaid who lives on the estate added, 'It's just disrespectful. This home should be restored with dignity,' read a report by ET. Park House wasn't just another royal residence. After the Spencers moved to Althorp in 1975, the 16-bedroom mansion was donated to the Leonard Cheshire charity and transformed into a hotel for adults with disabilities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It became a place of healing and joy — equipped with modern facilities and filled with warmth. But when the pandemic drove up operating costs, the beloved facility closed in 2021. It's stood empty ever since. Those who knew the house during its charitable years remember it fondly. 'It was marvellous,' said a retired occupational therapist. 'The equipment was new, the care was excellent. Seeing it like this now is deeply sad.' Many locals agree — the house deserves more than to be forgotten. To them, it's not just a relic of Diana's past but a symbol of care and inclusion. Park House, where Princess Diana spent her early years, now lies derelict just 500 metres from King Charles' immaculate Sandringham House, sparking fury among locals over its decaying condition What stings even more is the visible contrast. While Park House falls apart, King Charles is actively investing elsewhere on the Sandringham Estate. A luxury glamping site, safari tents, and a new caravan park have been greenlit. Even solar panels — 2,000 of them — were recently installed. Yet Park House, so rich in emotional and historical value, remains untouched. One resident put it bluntly, 'King Charles can invest in caravans, but not the home where Diana took her first steps? It doesn't sit right.' Their frustration echoes across Norfolk, where many feel the house deserves the same respect as the Church of St Mary Magdalene nearby — the very church where Royals gather each Christmas. Park House now stands as a painful metaphor for the late princess's complex relationship with the Royal Family. Diana, the People's Princess, married Prince Charles in 1981. But she endured a turbulent marriage before her tragic death in 1997. Her funeral drew over 32 million viewers, and her memory still resonates with millions. Recently, her son Prince Harry spoke of his fears that history could repeat itself — that the security lapses surrounding his mother could one day threaten his own family. His words reignited questions about how the monarchy honours Diana's memory — and whether leaving her childhood home in ruin reflects the respect she deserves. Park House was once a home, a sanctuary, and a symbol of compassion. Today, its decay feels like a forgotten chapter in a story too important to ignore. Inside Meghan Markle's Post-Divorce Book Plans Amid Split Speculations with Prince Harry | WATCH One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Mercury
23-05-2025
- General
- Mercury
Princess Diana's childhood home left to rot
King Charles has been slammed as 'disrespecting' Princess Diana's legacy as her childhood home falls into disrepair. Diana was born at Park House on the Royals' Norfolk estate in 1961 and lived at the mansion until she was 14. Photos obtained by the Mirror show the once grand property now appears to be abandoned, with overgrown grass, peeling window paint and stained bricks. The outlet reports a dilapidated shed with a caved-in roof and smashed windows, while the swimming pool is surrounded by a metal fence to keep trespassers out. RELATED:Insane amount Meghan, Harry pay staff Staggering fortune Harry, Meghan lost exposed 'Lonely': Insiders lift lid on Harry's sad life Locals reacted furiously and accused Charles of 'disrespecting' Diana's legacy. Selina Raines, 38, who lives in the nearby village of Snettisham, told the Mirror: 'It's heartbreaking to learn how the house has been left. 'If locals were aware they would be shocked – but you can't see it [the house] from the road so very few know how it's been left, it's really sad.' An unnamed barmaid, who lives on the estate, said: 'It's disrespectful – the house should be restored to how it was. 'The Estate houses that are hidden from public view don't get what they need.' Diana lived at Park House, which her parents rented from the late Queen, until moving to the family's Northamptonshire stately home Althorp in 1975. The 16-bedroom residence was later donated to charity Leonard Cheshire and ran as a respite hotel for adults with disabilities for over 30 years. But in May 2021 the property was handed back to the estate after spiralling costs post-pandemic and has since remained empty. Several locals told the Mirror they would like to see the house returned to a charity to support the community. A retired occupational therapist, who worked with disabled residents at the house before it shuttered, said: 'It was marvellous – it's very sad [that it has been left to rot]. 'Everything was beautiful, all the equipment was new and they had waiting lists. 'I would like to see it returned to what it was like back then, but I don't think with the health service we've got at the moment that it's going to happen.' Park House is just 500 metres away from Charles' 150-bedroom Sandringham House. Over the years, Charles has funded several projects on the estate. Last June, the King was given the green light to open a 25-acre luxury glamping site, complete with 15 'safari tents' and a Motorhome Club campsite. One local said: 'King Charles has money to put into his caravan site but not to put into the house Diana grew up in.' 'And in November the green-fingered monarch installed 2,000 solar panels in a bid to improve the estate's climate footprint.' The Mirror approached Sandringham Estate and Buckingham Palace for comment. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. RELATED: Prince Harry's $200m UK secret revealed Shock couple in Prince Andrew-trashed Queen's pad 'Messy': Charles, Camilla 'time apart' exposed
Herald Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- Herald Sun
Princess Diana's childhood home left to rot
King Charles has been slammed as 'disrespecting' Princess Diana's legacy as her childhood home falls into disrepair. Diana was born at Park House on the Royals' Norfolk estate in 1961 and lived at the mansion until she was 14. Photos obtained by the Mirror show the once grand property now appears to be abandoned, with overgrown grass, peeling window paint and stained bricks. The outlet reports a dilapidated shed with a caved-in roof and smashed windows, while the swimming pool is surrounded by a metal fence to keep trespassers out. RELATED:Insane amount Meghan, Harry pay staff Staggering fortune Harry, Meghan lost exposed 'Lonely': Insiders lift lid on Harry's sad life Locals reacted furiously and accused Charles of 'disrespecting' Diana's legacy. Selina Raines, 38, who lives in the nearby village of Snettisham, told the Mirror: 'It's heartbreaking to learn how the house has been left. 'If locals were aware they would be shocked – but you can't see it [the house] from the road so very few know how it's been left, it's really sad.' An unnamed barmaid, who lives on the estate, said: 'It's disrespectful – the house should be restored to how it was. 'The Estate houses that are hidden from public view don't get what they need.' Diana lived at Park House, which her parents rented from the late Queen, until moving to the family's Northamptonshire stately home Althorp in 1975. The 16-bedroom residence was later donated to charity Leonard Cheshire and ran as a respite hotel for adults with disabilities for over 30 years. But in May 2021 the property was handed back to the estate after spiralling costs post-pandemic and has since remained empty. Several locals told the Mirror they would like to see the house returned to a charity to support the community. A retired occupational therapist, who worked with disabled residents at the house before it shuttered, said: 'It was marvellous – it's very sad [that it has been left to rot]. 'Everything was beautiful, all the equipment was new and they had waiting lists. 'I would like to see it returned to what it was like back then, but I don't think with the health service we've got at the moment that it's going to happen.' Park House is just 500 metres away from Charles' 150-bedroom Sandringham House. Over the years, Charles has funded several projects on the estate. Last June, the King was given the green light to open a 25-acre luxury glamping site, complete with 15 'safari tents' and a Motorhome Club campsite. One local said: 'King Charles has money to put into his caravan site but not to put into the house Diana grew up in.' 'And in November the green-fingered monarch installed 2,000 solar panels in a bid to improve the estate's climate footprint.' The Mirror approached Sandringham Estate and Buckingham Palace for comment. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. RELATED: Prince Harry's $200m UK secret revealed Shock couple in Prince Andrew-trashed Queen's pad 'Messy': Charles, Camilla 'time apart' exposed
News.com.au
23-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Princess Diana's childhood home left to rot
King Charles has been slammed as 'disrespecting' Princess Diana's legacy as her childhood home falls into disrepair. Diana was born at Park House on the Royals' Norfolk estate in 1961 and lived at the mansion until she was 14. Photos obtained by the Mirror show the once grand property now appears to be abandoned, with overgrown grass, peeling window paint and stained bricks. The outlet reports a dilapidated shed with a caved-in roof and smashed windows, while the swimming pool is surrounded by a metal fence to keep trespassers out. Locals reacted furiously and accused Charles of 'disrespecting' Diana's legacy. Selina Raines, 38, who lives in the nearby village of Snettisham, told the Mirror: 'It's heartbreaking to learn how the house has been left. 'If locals were aware they would be shocked – but you can't see it [the house] from the road so very few know how it's been left, it's really sad.' An unnamed barmaid, who lives on the estate, said: 'It's disrespectful – the house should be restored to how it was. 'The Estate houses that are hidden from public view don't get what they need.' Diana lived at Park House, which her parents rented from the late Queen, until moving to the family's Northamptonshire stately home Althorp in 1975. The 16-bedroom residence was later donated to charity Leonard Cheshire and ran as a respite hotel for adults with disabilities for over 30 years. But in May 2021 the property was handed back to the estate after spiralling costs post-pandemic and has since remained empty. Several locals told the Mirror they would like to see the house returned to a charity to support the community. A retired occupational therapist, who worked with disabled residents at the house before it shuttered, said: 'It was marvellous – it's very sad [that it has been left to rot]. 'Everything was beautiful, all the equipment was new and they had waiting lists. 'I would like to see it returned to what it was like back then, but I don't think with the health service we've got at the moment that it's going to happen.' Park House is just 500 metres away from Charles' 150-bedroom Sandringham House. Over the years, Charles has funded several projects on the estate. Last June, the King was given the green light to open a 25-acre luxury glamping site, complete with 15 'safari tents' and a Motorhome Club campsite. One local said: 'King Charles has money to put into his caravan site but not to put into the house Diana grew up in.' 'And in November the green-fingered monarch installed 2,000 solar panels in a bid to improve the estate's climate footprint.' The Mirror approached Sandringham Estate and Buckingham Palace for comment.
Mint
04-05-2025
- General
- Mint
Princess Diana childhood home: From a store of memories to ruins, how this British royal estate lost its charm
Princess Diana's childhood home - the Royals' Norfolk estate in Park House - reportedly lies vacant, waiting for some repair. The massive property which was once a store house of memories has lost its charm as smashed windows, caved-in roof and dilapidated shed point to lost times of glory. Located near King Charles' pristine Sandringham House, the abandoned mansion was home to young Princess Diana since birth for a total of 14 years. Princess Diana, the first wife of king Charles, reportedly lived at Park House before moving to the family's Northamptonshire stately home Althorp in 1975. Mother of Prince William and Harry spent her crucial early years living at the 16-bed splendid property, whose swimming pool is surrounded by a metal fence to keep trespassers out. Once a glamorous property, the neglected Princess Diana's childhood home now features unkempt grass, peeling window paint and stained bricks, Mirror reported. Despite its prime location, merely 500 metres away from King Charles' well-kept 150-bed Sandringham House, the house has been overlooked. It is important to note that the Norfolk estate stands tall, adjacent to the church of St Mary Magdalene, where the Royals observe the Christmas Day service annually. Dejected over the abandoned estate that has links to the British royalty, locals charged at King Charles of 'disrespecting' Diana's legacy. A disappointed 38-year-old resident of nearby village of Snettisham, named Selina Raines, said, 'It's heartbreaking to learn how the house has been left. If locals were aware they would be shocked - but you can't see it [the house] from the road so very few know how it's been left, it's really sad,' Mirror reported. Reacting to the abysmal state of affairs over the management of the property, a barmaid, who lives on the estate stated, 'It's disrespectful - the house should be restored to how it was. The Estate houses that are hidden from public view don't get what they need.' The 16-bed mansion in discussion was leased by Princess Diana's parents from the late Queen. The property ran as a respite hotel for adults with disabilities for over 30 years after being donated to charity Leonard Cheshire. Amid spiralling maintenance costs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the mansion was handed back to the estate in May 2021, which has remained vacant ever since. First Published: 4 May 2025, 09:00 AM IST
