King Charles has been "kept aware" while his staff deal with a "challenge" at one of the Royal Family residences.
The monarch's Norfolk estate is suffering from a surge in wasps, with tourists being warned to take extra care while visiting Sandringham House.
The royal residence has been hit by unusually high numbers of the insects during what experts are calling a bumper summer for wasps.
Spring 2025 marked the driest season of its kind in half a century, and created ideal breeding conditions for wasps, bees and other insects, leading to swarms across the UK.
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|King Charles ‘kept aware’ as staff deal with ‘challenge’ at Royal Family residence
At Sandringham, staff have had to take precautions to minimise risks for visitors touring the grounds.
Bins around the estate have been tightly sealed, with some even covered with a protective layer of cloth to stop insects gathering. Warning notices have also gone up across the 20,000-acre property.
The signs caution: “Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area.”
Plastic traps have been installed to lure the pests inside, where they are held until they can be released elsewhere.
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|King Charles pictured on the Sandringham Estate earlier this year
The measures come as Sandringham continues to welcome streams of tourists through its house and gardens during the busy summer season.
A source explained that while the King is known for his passion for nature, staff are mindful of the dangers posed by too many wasps in public spaces.
“King Charles is known for his love of the environment, but everyone is aware too many wasps could be a problem for visitors,” the source told the Sun.
“Wasps are a critical part of the ecosystem, and nobody wants to harm them.
PA | The Royal Estate Sandringham is located in Norfolk
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|King Charles seen with a wasp near his face at Sandringham in July
“This year there have been far more than is normal, which is why it is a challenge.”
The problem has been so severe that pest controllers were recently called in to deal with three nests discovered at the Royal Stud on the estate.
Visitors are being encouraged to exercise caution, especially when walking near rubbish areas.
The issue highlights the challenges faced by large estates in balancing environmental conservation with the safety and comfort of guests.