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Sandringham: A Royal Residence with Nigel Havers S01E02 - Episode 2

The second episode kicks off in 1910 when Sandringham is rocked by the death of its first royal owner Edward VII, as Nigel Havers reveals that something very unusual now happened to Sandringham: instead of passing automatically to the new king, George V, the privately-owned house was inherited by Edward VII's wife, Alexandra.

This surprising situation resulted in one of the most bizarre chapters in the history of the estate, as the King and his family of seven were relegated to a small cottage in the grounds while the ageing Alexandra rattled around the huge 364-room house with just her unmarried daughter for company. But these two ladies didn't exactly live alone… they were looked after by an astonishing army of 50 servants. JJ Chalmers discovers what a typical day at Sandringham looked like for this horde of helpers, meanwhile Raksha discovers what daily life looked like at the relatively cosy York Cottage where the King started each day by stepping outside to check the weather – with a parrot on his arm.

Life at Sandringham was soon to be shaken up once again by the advent of the World War I. JJ discovers how the house was almost destroyed. Meanwhile Nigel reveals the story of Sandringham's secret house where the royals go to hide.

JJ discovers how some new royal residents changed Sandringham House once again, finally dragging it into the 20th Century with regal renovations. And Nigel reveals how the abdication crisis threw the very future of the house into question.

It wasn't until late 1936 that Sandringham was saved by George VI, who made it a happy country home for his family, including his daughter - the young Princess Elizabeth II. But soon, the tragic early death of her father would open a new 70-year-long chapter in the incredible royal history of Sandringham.