Fancy taking in a drive-in movie with Her Maj and Prince Phil?

Taking your newly beloved on a date to the drive-in may have marked you as highly romantic on the West Rand back in the ‘70s. These days, though, it wouldn’t get you to first base.

But what if you told your new love you’re taking him/her to a drive-in movie at the Queen of England’s house? Now that has romantic potential!

Movie fun at Sandringham Estate

Sounds crazy? It’s certainly a possibility if you happen to be in the UK in late September, because Sandringham Estate, one of Her Majesty’s winter country residences, will be open to the public for three nights of socially distanced drive-in movie fun.

Among the movies on offer are blockbusters such as Grease, Toy Story, Bohemian Rhapsody and The Greatest Showman.

People magazine in the UK, which tends to get a little breathless when talking about the Royal Family, says “the weekend of outdoor cinema is the perfect socially distant activity — plus, the chance to see where the Queen spends her holiday break each winter.”

No movie popcorn for the Queen

But if you’re expecting to glance to your right and see Her Maj and Prince Phil in their Bentley munching on popcorn and sucking on a Slush Puppy while enjoying a movie, you’re going to be disappointed.

“The Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, are currently staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland,” People magazine explains.

“After months of quarantining at Windsor Castle, the royal couple was able to visit Balmoral, where they typically spend a few months each summer.”

A great story to tell your mates

Nevertheless, you’ll still be able to tell your mates of a wonderful evening in the Sandringham Gardens with the backdrop of Sandringham House.

As the official Sandringham Estate website says: “Relax and enjoy … these ever-popular films whilst enjoying fabulous street food and refreshments from artisan brewers and distillers.”

Tickets cost £32.50 (R716) and you can upgrade to a Premium ticket for an extra £7.50 (R165) to add a deckchair, table, popcorn and a separate area on the side of your vehicle.

Sandringham is a 20 000-acre estate on the coast of Norfolk, about 160km north of London. It was bought by Queen Victoria in 1892.