Greetings from Norfolk, a county in East Anglia that you will find on the East coast of England which makes up the “bubble-shaped” corner on the right-hand side of the country, around about 100 miles from London.

Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, and since 1862 has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs.

The house sits in the heart of a 20,000 acre estate made up of woodlands and heath and some 60 acres of stunningly manicured gardens. Part of the park is open to the public, free of charge all year round and is a favourite for dog walking and picnics!

And, it was here at Sandringham that I met life-long friends for lunch:

Back row, left, Claire (whom I have known for some 37 years), my brother Ian, front row, Maria, Claire’s partner, and me grinning like a Cheshire cat!