THE Queen was today spotted enjoying a drive around Sandringham during a poignant pilgrimage to her favourite retreat.
Her Majesty was snapped in a headscarf and sunglasses in the front passenger seat of a Range Rover during her first extended stay since Prince Philip’s death.
The 95-year-old travelled to her Norfolk haunt from Windsor Castle by helicopter on Sunday.
She was this morning pictured being driven away from Wood Farm where she is expected to stay for the next few weeks.
Her traditional annual visit coincides with the anniversary of her father’s death on February 6.
It is also her first longer break at Sandringham since Philip’s death in April last year.
The monarch reportedly plans to privately remember the Duke of Edinburgh and her father on the 70th anniversary of his death.
The Queen was catapulted to the throne aged just 25 when George VI died in 1952.
But this year’s commemoration also comes as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 of service.
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.
“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 monarch usually spends Christmas at Sandringham but was forced to ditch her travel plans in December due to Covid.
