THE Queen has today arrived at Sandringham for her first extended stay since Prince Philip’s death.
Her Majesty, 95, travelled from Windsor Castle to the Norfolk estate by helicopter.
She was then pictured in a beige coat and bird-print headscarf being driven into the home.
The Queen is expected to stay at Sandringham “for a few weeks” on a poignant special pilgrimage.
It is believed she will rest at Wood Farm, where her beloved husband Prince Philip spent time during his retirement.
The Queen has travelled at least twice to Sandringham since Philip’s death last April but this is her first extended stay.
The monarch reportedly plans to privately remember the Duke of Edinburgh and her father on the 70th anniversary of his death.
George VI died on February 6,1952 – catapulting Her Majesty to the throne aged just 25.
She usually spends Christmas at Sandringham but was forced to ditch her travel plans in December due to Covid.
A royal insider said: “The anniversary of the day she changed from Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth is obviously a very proud and important moment for her every year.
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“This year she will mark 70 years on the throne and is very much looking forward to throwing a four-day party for the country in June.
“But the anniversary of the day she became Queen on February 6 in 1952 is also tinged with sadness as it was the moment she lost her father.
“The Queen always wants to be at Sandringham where he died and this year’s Accession Day is no different.
“She will be there at Sandringham. The Queen wants to spend it in sombre reflection.
“There will be a time for the nation and Queen to properly mark the milestone but it is important for her to be at Sandringham on Accession Day and mark it in private.”
The Queen was just 25 years old and on holiday in Kenya with Prince Philip when King George VI died.
