King Charles sends urgent warning to public visiting popular royal park

King Charles has sent a warning to dog walkers who are planning to visit the Sandringham estate in the coming weeks. The 76-year-old has put up posters around the estate to alert dog owners to watch out for a rare but lethal canine disease this autumn.

According to the estate's website, Sandringham isthe "perfect place to enjoy a walk with your four-legged friends all year round." Dogs are welcome in the Royal Parkland, Courtyard area, including the Sandringham Shop and Takeaway, Terrace Café, and dedicated areas of the Sandringham Restaurant.

Noting the disease on their website, it has been described as a "rare illness which has dramatically declined in numbers since 2010, no one understands the cause of SCI, and there is no cure".

Symptoms have been noted as vomiting, diarrhoea and tiredness within 72 hours of being in a woodland area.

Known for his love of dogs, the King adopted a spaniel named Snuff earlier this year. The late Queen Elizabeth II loved corgis, and the King loves a number of different breeds.

The King and Queen Camilla previously had two Jack Russells named Beth and Bluebell, although Beth passed away in November 2024.

Following Beth's death, the royal couple adopted a new Jack Russell mix named Moley in March 2025.

Animal charity Blue Cross previously described SCI as a very rare condition that can affect dogs of any size, shape, age, or sex. It advises dog owners who suspect their dog has it to contact a vet within 72 hours of visiting a woodland.

The charity pointed to Animal Health Trust research showing fatal cases have fallen since 2010, but said sadly some dogs do not survive.

Angela Laws, Head of Community at pet-sitting firm TrustedHousesitters, and vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan previously shared their advice on how to protect your dog.