The Sandringham Estate has released new portraits of King Charles in The Topiary Garden, marking the completion of changes he has made to the private garden.
Taken by Millie Pilkington, who has taken a number of royal photographs over recent years, including a photograph of King Charles to commemorate Burns Night and Prince Louis’ 5th birthday portrait, the snaps show Charles walking outside his Norfolk residence.
Rooted in childhood memory and driven by a forward-thinking approach to sustainability and biodiversity, the garden marks a significant transformation of the royal grounds on the Sandringham Estate since he became King.
The Topiary Garden draws its inspiration from a cherished memory of the King’s youth. In 2019, Charles recalled the magical impression left on him by Queen Alexandra’s original topiary garden near the old dairy building.
‘I can still remember being taken as a child, being wheeled in my pram even,’ he said. ‘It was so special, these clipped animal shapes, peacocks, birds. I’ve never forgotten it. I would say it had a profound influence on me.’
Completed in just five months, the project transformed an acre of traditional grass lawn into a richly cultivated display of symmetry and seasonal colour. Over 5,000 yew trees were carefully planted to form the intricate topiary structures and geometric layouts, interwoven with white gravel paths designed for tranquil exploration and quiet contemplation.
The layout reflects the principles of universal symbolism, like the famed Cosmati Pavement in Westminster Abbey, creating a spiritual and meditative space for visitors.
The garden was also designed as a response to the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, seeing the introduction of new plant species selected specifically for their resilience to shifting weather patterns.
The soil and turf removed during construction were not discarded but rejuvenated and reused in the new plant beds, reinforcing the garden’s sustainable foundation.
By next year, the beds are expected to burst with herbaceous perennials and flowering bulbs, including Veronicastrum, Delphinium, Phlox, Echinacea, and Lavender. The central area will be adorned with several vibrant varieties of yellow and pink roses, such as “Gabriel Oak,” “Skylark,” and “Charles Darwin,” promising a vivid spectacle of color and fragrance.
Sandringham’s horticultural team has combined specialist techniques with traditional topiary practices to ensure that the garden not only thrives but also evolves with the seasons. Their work underscores The King’s belief that gardens are not only places of beauty but also powerful tools for education, conservation, and emotional well-being.
Members of the public can visit the gardens from April until October each year. Buy tickets here.
Isnt Sandringham Estste willed to Princess Anne by the late Queen Elizabeth II