King Charles’ 20,000-acre Sandringham estate continues to attract large numbers of walkers, including those with dogs, but concerns have resurfaced this autumn following reported cases of a little-known canine condition. The estate has previously been associated with Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI), prompting officials to issue renewed warnings that have left some dog owners uneasy about visiting.
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In October, Sandringham’s management team used Facebook to alert the public. “Please be aware that autumn is the season when cases of Canine Seasonal Illness have been seen at Sandringham in the past,” the post stated. The message noted that SCI remains rare and has fallen significantly since 2010, but its cause is still unknown and no specific treatment exists. Reported symptoms — including vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy — usually appear within 72 hours of a dog walking in woodland, although such signs may also indicate more common conditions. Owners were advised to contact a vet immediately if concerned.
Promotion of the estate’s Luminate light trail last week, which welcomed “four-legged friends,” prompted anxious responses online. Social media users questioned the safety of bringing pets, with several seeking reassurance that SCI no longer posed a risk. Staff directed visitors to contact the estate directly for the most up-to-date guidance.
Current information published on Sandringham’s website stresses the rarity of SCI, but encourages owners to remain vigilant and seek veterinary advice should their dog fall ill.
According to the Animal Trust, SCI is “a rare but serious condition that can affect dogs of any age or breed, typically during the autumn months”. The charity warns that symptoms may deteriorate rapidly and, while theories range from harvest mites to environmental factors, the cause has yet to be determined.
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HELLO! understands that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to relocate to a residence on the privately owned Sandringham estate. Properties previously listed as possible future homes — including The Folly and Gardens House — are currently available as rental accommodation for the public. However, York Cottage is viewed as the more likely option. Historic England notes that the house includes its own stables and kennels, with views across a nearby lake.
