Seigneur Michael Beaumont shows the Queen the Seigneurie gardens during her 2001 visit. Although he and his wife are moving out, the house and gardens are still expected to feature during royal visits. (0848003)

ROYAL protocol is under review as the Seigneur moves out of the La Seigneurie in Sark.

Michael Beaumont and his wife will shortly move into a smaller property on the estate.

The house will be leased and almost 300 items considered non-essential to the history of Sark will go under the hammer.

Charities in Sark will benefit from money raised from a percentage of the items belonging to a trust established by Mr Beaumont’s grandmother, Dame Sibyl Hathaway.

Historically, La Seigneurie has hosted members of the royal family on visits to the island, but it is unclear what will happen when short-term tenants take over the lease for the building.

‘In the future we will ask Sark how they want to handle visits but I suspect a visit to La Seigneurie and the gardens will still be a feature,’ said Colonel Richard Graham, secretary to Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon.

He said while La Seigneurie had never been the official meeting place for visiting royals, it was a natural stop on any visit.

‘It is a factor, but it is not a key factor and I am sure royal family members will continue to stop at La Seigneurie if they are in Sark,’ said Col Graham.

He said on previous visits royal family members had been given a tour of the gardens and any royal and Occupation memorabilia, which historically has been kept at the house.

Following the move, historical documents relating to Sark will be stored with La Societe Sercquaise and made available if and when needed in the future.