In a heartfelt gesture honouring his mother's memory, King Charles has made a significant personal donation exceeding £50,000 towards vital roof repairs for a church that held a special place in the late Queen's heart.
A Royal Connection to a Norfolk Landmark
The monarch contributed £50,900 from his private funds, known as the Privy Purse, to the West Newton Roof Fund last year. This generous gift was revealed in the most recent annual financial report for the St Peter and St Paul Parish Church, located on the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
This Grade Two listed building was a regular place of worship for Queen Elizabeth II, who would often attend Sunday services there before her passing in September 2022. It was a cherished part of her winter routine, typically marking the final visit of her Christmas holiday in Norfolk.
A History of Royal Patronage
The church's ties to the Royal Family are deep-rooted and span centuries. When the building fell into disrepair in the 19th century, the royal family stepped in to fund its restoration. Edward VII, then the Prince of Wales, is considered the driving force behind this effort.
Further contributions came from his mother, Queen Victoria, who donated the church's organ, and the then Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who supplied the choir stalls. The church was almost entirely rebuilt in 1881 by architect Arthur Blomfield, though it retains its historic 14th-century tower and 15th-century font.
The Daunting Task of Preservation
Today, the church faces a new conservation challenge. A recent inspection revealed the urgent need for repairs, particularly to the roof. The total cost for a full restoration is estimated at £200,000.
This amount is needed to address not only the roof but also cracks in the walls and to fund a programme of planned maintenance to prevent further damage to the stonework. So far, including the King's substantial contribution, the fundraising campaign has gathered approximately £78,000.
The church is also actively exploring grant opportunities to fund the most urgent repairs, hoping to begin work before the building deteriorates further. A notice issued by the church in 2023 appealed to the local and wider communities for support in this essential endeavour to save their much-loved church.
