Royal watchers and dog lovers alike have found themselves with a new reason to keep an eye on Sandringham, the famed 20,000-acre estate in Norfolk that serves as one of the British monarchy’s most cherished retreats. In October 2025, the team responsible for managing Sandringham’s sprawling grounds posted an unusual warning on Facebook: a rare and mysterious condition, known as Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI), had reemerged as a concern for visitors and their four-legged companions.
“Please be aware that Autumn is the season when cases of Canine Seasonal Illness have been seen at Sandringham in the past. SCI is a rare illness which has dramatically declined in numbers since 2010, no-one understands the cause of SCI and there is no cure. The key symptoms of SCI are vomiting, diarrhoea and tiredness within 72 hours of being in a woodland area. However, this rare condition is not the only reason why these symptoms may be seen; there are lots of other common causes for these symptoms. If you suspect your dog has SCI, please contact your vet as soon as possible,” the Facebook post read, as reported by StyleCaster.
The announcement, though routine for some longtime visitors, sent ripples of concern through the local dog-walking community. SCI, while rare and dramatically reduced in frequency since its initial spike in 2010, remains a worrisome specter for those who frequent the estate’s wooded paths. The illness’s symptoms—vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy—can set in rapidly, typically within three days of exposure to woodland areas. With no cure and no clear understanding of its origins, SCI has become something of a medical enigma, leaving both veterinarians and pet owners frustrated.
By November 2025, a month after the initial warning, dogwalkers began to inquire about the current status of SCI at Sandringham. Some posted questions such as, “Are you now clear of canine seasonal illness?” Administrators responded promptly, directing concerned individuals to the appropriate resources and reaffirming the importance of vigilance and immediate veterinary attention should symptoms appear. The estate’s proactive communication was welcomed by many, but the underlying uncertainty about SCI’s cause and prevention continued to cast a shadow over autumn visits.
Yet, SCI isn’t the only reason Sandringham has been in the headlines this season. The estate has also become the focus of royal intrigue, following the announcement that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles’ embattled younger brother, will be relocating to Sandringham after being evicted from the Royal Lodge. The move, which comes on the heels of sustained public scrutiny and scandal surrounding Andrew, has reportedly placed considerable strain on the royal family—none more so than King Charles himself.
According to StyleCaster, royal expert Hilary Fordwich offered a candid assessment of the monarch’s current state. “During Remembrance Sunday…King Charles was particularly emotional, shedding a tear while standing in silence. He was withered and withdrawn, with one able to observe the toll the Andrew nightmare had taken on him,” Fordwich told Fox News Digital. The Remembrance Sunday event, held on November 11, 2025, was a particularly poignant moment for the King, who has been contending not only with family turmoil but with his own health challenges.
As of late November 2025, King Charles continues to receive weekly treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. While the specifics of his diagnosis remain private, the toll of both his illness and the ongoing royal drama has not gone unnoticed by those closest to the palace. Fordwich observed that, despite the visible strain, the King “appeared to be somewhat resolute,” seeking to project an image of steadfastness and duty. “He wants his public persona to be known to be wanting to double down on duty, rather than anything verging on a shallow or frivolous celebration,” she explained.
The intersection of personal health, public duty, and family discord has created a uniquely challenging environment for Charles. The King, who ascended to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, has long been viewed as a figure intent on modernizing the monarchy while maintaining its traditions. But the recent spate of headlines—ranging from canine health warnings at Sandringham to the ongoing saga of his brother—has tested both his resolve and his public image.
Fordwich further noted that Charles is “purportedly ‘fed up’ with Andrew and, to the greatest extent possible, will be barring Andrew from any royal events.” This stance is seen as a clear signal from the King that he intends to protect the institution’s reputation, even if it means distancing himself from a close family member. For many royal observers, this approach marks a stark contrast to previous eras, when family scandals were often managed behind closed doors rather than through public actions.
For Sandringham itself, the convergence of these two stories—one about a rare canine illness, the other about royal upheaval—has created a sense of unease and curiosity among locals and visitors alike. The estate, which has long served as a symbol of continuity and tradition for the British monarchy, now finds itself at the center of both veterinary and royal concern.
Despite the challenges, both the estate’s staff and the royal family are striving to carry on. The Sandringham team’s commitment to transparency regarding SCI has been praised by many in the community. By openly acknowledging the risks and providing clear guidance, they have demonstrated a willingness to put public safety first—even as the underlying cause of the illness remains elusive.
Meanwhile, King Charles’s determination to focus on duty over distraction is being closely watched by both supporters and critics of the monarchy. Some see his approach as a necessary assertion of leadership in turbulent times, while others question whether the public airing of family disputes serves the institution’s long-term interests. Regardless, the King’s actions—and his ongoing health battle—are likely to remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
As autumn deepens at Sandringham and the estate’s woodlands shed their leaves, both visitors and royals are reminded that even the most storied traditions are not immune to change or challenge. Whether it’s a mysterious illness affecting beloved pets or the strains of family and duty at the highest levels, Sandringham stands as a testament to resilience in the face of uncertainty.
