A new no-fly zone has been imposed over a much-loved royal residence amid fears of drones circulating in the area. The blanket year-long no-fly area was imposed over Sandringham, in Norfolk, within days of the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, it is reported.

The no-fly zone order has been passed for "security for members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries staying at or visiting Sandringham House".

Ahead of the Ukrainian President's visit to the UK in March, witnesses told The Sun there was a major security operation around the King's 60-acre estate.

Before Zelensky flew in to see the King, one of the drones spotted hours before, and traced to a man sitting in a car. A source said: "It prompted a security scare. The operator was tracked down and spoken to."

One drone was also traced to a photographer, but the source of others are still believed to be unknown. Modern technology, such as using drones, could mean there is a risk of explosive devices or surveillance cameras being used that can be operated from miles away.

While there was no specific UK threat, it is understood there was a concern that Sandringham is increasingly a location for important State events.

The new order for a new-fly zone was signed off by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

It states: "The Secretary of State has decided that it is necessary in the public interest to restrict flying in the vicinity of Sandringham House, Norfolk, having regard to the security considerations associated with this location by reason of it being the residence of members of the Royal Family."

Zelensky was in London early March for the talks on European defence, and it followed a fiery exchange with US President Donald Trump in the White House a few days earlier.

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