Countryfile will film at Queen’s private estates

AFTER a long week of royal duties, the Windsors are known to enjoy whiling away a Sunday evening with an episode of Countryfile.

And now the Queen has granted the BBC programme exclusive access to three of her favourite residences.

The Queen and Prince Philip are allowing TV crews to film at Windsor Castle, Sandringham and Balmoral Castle for Countryfile’s 30th anniversary.

Prince Charles gave similar access in 2013, inviting the show to Highgrove in Gloucestershire. The BBC said the three episodes will also commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation, exploring her ‘lifelong attachment to rural Britain’ and love of animals.

Sandringham Estate in Norfolk has been the private residence of the Royal Family since 1862. It is owned privately by the family, as is Balmoral in Scotland.

Windsor Castle, like Buckingham Palace, is owned formally by the Crown. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh spend most weekends there.

Countryfile launched in 1988 with host Anne Brown. Veteran broadcaster John Craven joined the series a year later.

Now, Craven, 77, shares presenting duties with a team including Matt Baker, Anita Rani and Helen Skelton.

The three-part special will be broadcast next month.