A Norfolk area is looking to become a royal borough, joining an exclusive list of only 11 other places in the UK. West Norfolk councillors will discuss a potential application to join the A-list of boroughs and towns with royal patronage.
Since 945AD, it is just 11 towns that have been explicitly granted or confirmed the use of the title “royal” by royal charter, letters patent or similar instrument issued by the monarch. Using the title “royal borough” is strictly enforced.
The exclusive list of places with the “royal title” currently includes Greenwich, Kensington and Chelsea, Windsor, Berkshire, Leamington Spa and Tunbridge Wells, among others.
West Norfolk, made up of King’s Lynn, Downham Market and Hunstanton, along with countryside villages, has a strong link to the Royals.
It is home to Sandringham Estate, which has been a royal residence since 1867 when it was bought by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.
Queen Elizabeth spent two months at Sandringham every winter and would host her family for Christmas. It is the only royal residence owned personally by the monarch.
Councillor David Sayers said in a motion to West Norfolk Council: “This is motivated by a collective commitment to strengthening our community’s bond with the royal heritage, fostering a profound sense of pride, and fortifying our collective identity.
“It is a testament to our dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich historical ties that bind our borough with the monarchy.”
If the application is accepted, the borough would become the Royal Borough of West Norfolk.
Mr Sayers added: “The council proudly reaffirms the historical significance and close ties our borough shares with the royal family.
“Our association with the Sandringham Estate and Anmer Hall, the country home of the Prince and Princess of Wales, serves as a testament to our enduring connection to the monarchy.”
But the Cabinet Office’s Royal Names Team, which oversees requests, warns of potential disappointment on its website.
It says: “The protected Royal titles are sparingly granted and strict standards are applied. The grant of the titles is not, and never has been, a right which can be claimed by a body fulfilling certain conditions.”
Places with prefixes or suffixes such as “King’s” “Queen’s” “Prince’s” or “Regis” relate to historic ownership of the area by the Crown, such as King’s Cross in London or Beeston Regis in Norfolk.
Also in West Norfolk and just seven miles from Sandringham is King’s Lynn, which changed its name from Bishop’s Lynn in 1537.
