In 1886 King Leopold II of the Belgians gave racing pigeons to the Royal Family as a gift and they used to start a racing loft on the Sandringham Estate. Both Edward VII and George V enjoyed success with their racing pigeons, including first prizes in the national race from Lerwick in the Shetland Isles.

Pigeons from the Royal loft were used as carrier pigeons during the First and Second World Wars with one bird winning the Dicken Medal for Gallantry for its role in reporting a lost aircraft in 1940.

Following the war, pigeons returned to racing, notching up further wins in national and international races. Today, The Queen maintains an interest in the Royal pigeon lofts and regularly visits when in Sandringham.

160 mature pigeons are currently kept in the lofts at along with 80 young pigeons. Though some of these are ‘stock’ animals used purely for breeding, the majority are used for racing.

Pigeons are entered into one or two club races each week and all national races during the season, which runs from April to September each year, enjoying numerous wins each year. Over the years, the pigeons have won every major race in the north and south of the UK.

The Queen is President of a number of pigeon racing societies in recognition of her interest in the sport, most notably the racing Association and the National Flying Association.