Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is currently on a mission to take the police to court over alleged unlawful searches of his properties when he was arrested in February, as he remains holed up at his safe haven in Sandringham, provided by his brother, King Charles. But as the monarch owns the residence, he has the final say on everything, including Andrew's neighbours - who are now a herd of new cows.
A herd of rare British White Cows has arrived in a field right next to Andrew's current home, Marsh Farm. His Majesty has added the British Whites to his herd of 200 native heritage cattle, and they are happily grazing on grass yards away from the front door of Andrew’s Norfolk residence.
British Whites are among the earliest recorded domestic cattle breeds in Britain and have roots dating back to Norfolk from the late 1700s.
© Bav Media / Geoff Robinson PhotographyThe cows are ideal for conservation grazing on wet sites, making them ideal to live on the bog land around Andrew’s house, where they will break down vegetation to encourage higher plant diversity and create bare ground to help birds find food.
Charles' eco mission
Ever the passionate environmentalist, King Charles thinks about the entire eco-system when he makes a change at one of his residences.
© Alamy/ GettyThe royal has implemented a variety of conservation and sustainability measures at Sandringham Estate. The many initiatives include enforcing entirely organic farming, producing grass-fed meat, removing single-use plastic from the estate's cafes, and introducing a biomass boiler to heat Sandringham house.
The Sandringham website also explains that "an increasing proportion of the timber felled on the Estate is processed through the Sandringham Sawmill for fencing rails, posts and firewood. Separately, 100 per cent of wood chip servicing biomass boilers at Sandringham House and various residential cottages is from the Estate.
© UK Press via Getty ImagesIn summer, he installed a 2,000-panel solar farm on site. The solar panels, which cover 2.3 hectares of land, will provide energy for his Norfolk home and any remaining amount will go back to the grid.
An incredible royal history
The privately-owned estate was first purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as a 21st birthday gift for the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) to serve as a private country home away from London. It has now become synonymous with royal Christmases as it is where the family head for the festive season. Yearly traditions include members of the family opening their presents on Christmas Eve, attending the Christmas morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church, and relaxing away from royal duties for a period of time.
