The story of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother attending an exorcism—or more accurately, a “religious cleansing ritual”—at Sandringham House has become one of the most talked-about rumors in royal circles. The tale, which has its roots in the journal of royal biographer Kenneth Rose, centers around a ceremony reportedly held in 2000, in response to disturbing reports from the staff about strange occurrences in the room where King George VI, the Queen’s father, passed away in 1952. The room, which had long been associated with his death, was said to feel uneasy, sparking fears that a ghostly presence was haunting it.
Rather than a dramatic, Hollywood-style exorcism, which involves casting out demons, the ceremony was described as a more subdued ritual. According to royal historian Robert Hardman, who discussed the event on his podcast Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things, the event was centered around a parson blessing the space and saying special prayers. The goal was to rid the room of what was believed to be a “troubled spirit.” The Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and her lady-in-waiting, Prue Penn, were all reportedly present, and Holy Communion was part of the ceremony.
Although the identity of the spirit remained unclear, speculation grew that it could have been the ghost of Princess Diana, who had passed away just a few years earlier. However, there was no definitive answer, and it remains unclear whether any of the royal family members involved truly believed in the paranormal. Hardman suggests that, especially in the case of Queen Elizabeth II, her attendance may have been less about believing in spirits and more about showing support for the staff, who were evidently shaken by the alleged hauntings. The Queen, known for her pragmatism, was not known to indulge in superstitions but had a deep spiritual faith, which may have influenced her willingness to partake in the event.
Interestingly, Prince Charles, too, has had at least one reported encounter with the supernatural at Sandringham. In Britain’s Ghostly Heritage, author John West recounts an incident where the then-Prince of Wales and a staff member were reportedly spooked by an unsettling experience in the estate’s library, causing them to rush out of the room in fear.
The royal family’s relationship with Sandringham House is one of both tradition and mystery. The estate, located in Norfolk, has long been a beloved holiday retreat, especially for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Queen Elizabeth II started the tradition of spending the festive season there in 1988, and it became a special place for the royal children and grandchildren. On Christmas Eve, the family gathers for a formal, black-tie dinner, followed by a lively gift exchange, as recounted by Prince Harry in his memoir Spare. The family then attends St. Mary Magdalene Church on Christmas morning, walking together along the estate’s grounds, greeting the locals and press before returning to Sandringham House for the rest of their celebrations.
Despite the eerie rumor about the exorcism, Sandringham House remains a cherished symbol of royal family unity, where festive traditions continue to be passed down to the next generation. Whether or not there was any truth to the supernatural claims surrounding the estate, the focus now lies on the ongoing family traditions, which continue to shape the royal legacy.
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