NewsBite

Princess Diana’s childhood home left to rot

King Charles has been slammed as “disrespecting” Princess Diana’s legacy as her childhood home falls into disrepair.

Princess Diana's childhood home left to rot. Picture: BBC; TripAdvisor
Princess Diana's childhood home left to rot. Picture: BBC; TripAdvisor

King Charles has been slammed as “disrespecting” Princess Diana’s legacy as her childhood home falls into disrepair.

Diana was born at Park House on the Royals’ Norfolk estate in 1961 and lived at the mansion until she was 14.

Photos obtained by the Mirror show the once grand property now appears to be abandoned, with overgrown grass, peeling window paint and stained bricks.

The outlet reports a dilapidated shed with a caved-in roof and smashed windows, while the swimming pool is surrounded by a metal fence to keep trespassers out.

RELATED:Insane amount Meghan, Harry pay staff

Staggering fortune Harry, Meghan lost exposed

‘Lonely’: Insiders lift lid on Harry’s sad life

King Charles has been slammed as “disrespecting” Princess Diana’s legacy. Picture: Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
King Charles has been slammed as “disrespecting” Princess Diana’s legacy. Picture: Arthur Edwards – WPA Pool/Getty Images
Diana’s childhood home has fallen into disrepair.
Diana’s childhood home has fallen into disrepair.

Locals reacted furiously and accused Charles of “disrespecting” Diana’s legacy.

Selina Raines, 38, who lives in the nearby village of Snettisham, told the Mirror: “It’s heartbreaking to learn how the house has been left.

“If locals were aware they would be shocked – but you can’t see it [the house] from the road so very few know how it’s been left, it’s really sad.”

An unnamed barmaid, who lives on the estate, said: “It’s disrespectful – the house should be restored to how it was.

“The Estate houses that are hidden from public view don’t get what they need.”

Could one of these homes become your future castle?
Diana was born at Park House on the Royals’ Norfolk estate in 1961 and lived at the mansion until she was 14. Picture: TripAdvisor
Diana was born at Park House on the Royals’ Norfolk estate in 1961 and lived at the mansion until she was 14. Picture: TripAdvisor

Diana lived at Park House, which her parents rented from the late Queen, until moving to the family’s Northamptonshire stately home Althorp in 1975.

The 16-bedroom residence was later donated to charity Leonard Cheshire and ran as a respite hotel for adults with disabilities for over 30 years.

But in May 2021 the property was handed back to the estate after spiralling costs post-pandemic and has since remained empty.

Several locals told the Mirror they would like to see the house returned to a charity to support the community.

A retired occupational therapist, who worked with disabled residents at the house before it shuttered, said: “It was marvellous – it’s very sad [that it has been left to rot].

“Everything was beautiful, all the equipment was new and they had waiting lists.

“I would like to see it returned to what it was like back then, but I don’t think with the health service we’ve got at the moment that it’s going to happen.”

The property has been empty since 2021. Picture: TripAdvisor
The property has been empty since 2021. Picture: TripAdvisor
Charles’ 150-bedroom Sandringham House. Picture: David Goddard/Getty Images
Charles’ 150-bedroom Sandringham House. Picture: David Goddard/Getty Images

Park House is just 500 metres away from Charles’ 150-bedroom Sandringham House.

Over the years, Charles has funded several projects on the estate.

Last June, the King was given the green light to open a 25-acre luxury glamping site, complete with 15 ‘safari tents’ and a Motorhome Club campsite.

One local said: “King Charles has money to put into his caravan site but not to put into the house Diana grew up in.”

“And in November the green-fingered monarch installed 2,000 solar panels in a bid to improve the estate’s climate footprint.”

The Mirror approached Sandringham Estate and Buckingham Palace for comment.

Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.

RELATED: Prince Harry’s $200m UK secret revealed

Shock couple in Prince Andrew-trashed Queen’s pad

‘Messy’: Charles, Camilla ‘time apart’ exposed

Originally published as Princess Diana’s childhood home left to rot

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/finance/real-estate/princess-dianas-childhood-home-left-to-rot/news-story/59530c02938515c04d5059901f95943a