King Charles's Sandringham estate has implemented a year-round drone ban following security concerns that emerged when mystery drones were spotted before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit.
A 365-day no-fly zone was established within days of Zelensky's arrival on March 2, after security services raised concerns about "public safety and security".
Witnesses described a major security operation around the 60-acre Norfolk estate over the weekend of the Ukrainian leader's visit, which had been kept secret.
The ban was implemented to ensure "security for members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries staying at or visiting Sandringham House".
King Charles's Sandringham estate has implemented a year-round drone ban following security concerns that emerged when mystery drones were spotted before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit
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Several unidentified drones were detected hours before Zelensky flew in, prompting immediate security concerns.
One of the drones was traced to a man sitting in a car nearby who was not a member of the media, triggering a security alert.
"It prompted a security scare. The operator was tracked down and spoken to," a source told The Sun.
Another drone was reportedly traced to a photographer, but the source of other aerial devices remained unknown.
King Charles hosted Zelensky for tea in the Saloon room on March 2
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An insider told the publication: "There were several drones over Sandringham and not all were accounted for."
The security concerns were heightened given that drones and suicide aerial devices have been used to devastating effect in Russia's war with Ukraine.
Modern technology allows explosive devices or surveillance cameras to be operated from miles away.
The timing raised further concerns as "Zelensky visiting Charles would be of huge interest to Russian spies".
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The new drone ban order was signed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on March 6, just four days after Zelensky's visit, and came into force on March 10.
A previous drone restriction at Sandringham had run for only three months over winter and ended the day before the Ukrainian president arrived.
The order states no aircraft is allowed to fly below 2,000ft within the restricted airspace for reasons of "public safety and security".
King Charles hosted Zelensky for tea in the Saloon room during what the Ukrainian leader later described as a "very good meeting".
King Charles and Queen Camilla began Easter celebrations at Durham Cathedral on Thursday
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Just 24 hours after meeting Zelensky, the King hosted then-outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Similar no-fly zones already exist over the Prince and Princess of Wales' nearby Anmer Hall, Balmoral estate in Scotland, and Windsor Castle.
Charles has previously spoken of Ukraine experiencing "indescribable aggression" following Russia's "unprovoked attack".
