Home   Lifestyle   Article

Subscribe Now

King George VI 'showed no signs of tiredness' at Sandringham the day before his died




The Lynn News is looking back 70 years to a sad day when King George VI died at the Sandringham royal estate on Wednesday, February 6, 1952. This is part three ...

On the day before his death, King George VI went shooting on the Sandringham Estate. Lord Fermoy, who was in the party of six guns which bagged no less than a reported 300 hares [sic], described it as a “perfectly marvellous day” when speaking to the Lynn News and Advertiser.

Recalling the moments at the end of the shoot, Lord Fermoy said: “The King hurried round and asked us to come again on Thursday. The estate looked lovely and the King really enjoyed his day.

Draping his Royal Appointment sign with black crepe is the Dersingham baker and confectioner, Mr J Playford, while his sister-in-law, Mrs W Playford, watches from the window. The family had been baking for half-a-century, reported the Lynn News.
Draping his Royal Appointment sign with black crepe is the Dersingham baker and confectioner, Mr J Playford, while his sister-in-law, Mrs W Playford, watches from the window. The family had been baking for half-a-century, reported the Lynn News.

“I had never seen him really in better health. He shot awfully well and showed no signs of tiredness.

"The King was a great shot and was on the top of his form.

"I saw him get nine hares and even one pigeon which he took perfectly cleanly 80 to 100 feet up.”

This is one of the last pictures taken of the King and Princess Elizabeth (54614606)
This is one of the last pictures taken of the King and Princess Elizabeth (54614606)

Lord Fermoy said the King used a Land Rover and there was no question of any great exertion, adding: “I feel that I have lost a personal friend.”

His residence, Park House, was on the estate standing near to the rectory and church where the King had worshipped. A keen tennis player, the King often visited Park House to play on the tennis court there.

While the King was out shooting that day, the Queen and Princess Margaret visited Barton Broad near Norwich and lunched with the artist Edward Seago.

This was the scene at London Airport on Thursday, January 31, 1952, when King George VI, the Queen and Princess Margaret waved farewell to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh as they left for their royal tour to Australia and New Zealand (54614766)
This was the scene at London Airport on Thursday, January 31, 1952, when King George VI, the Queen and Princess Margaret waved farewell to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh as they left for their royal tour to Australia and New Zealand (54614766)


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More