THE Queen missed church yesterday to prevent Covid scuppering her beloved big family Christmas.
Her Majesty, 95, cancelled her usual Sunday devotions on the Windsor estate to avoid any risk of becoming infected.
Sources say the monarch — who has been in good health and walking without a stick — opted to “cut down” on social interactions ahead of the get-together for safety’s sake.
Her traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Windsor Castle had already been axed to try to ensure family members did not pick up the virus.
The Queen will leave for the Sandringham Estate on Wednesday and staff are busily preparing rooms.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William, Kate and their children, Prince Andrew and daughters Beatrice and Eugenie and Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s family are expected to join her.
Cousins, nephews and nieces have also been invited and will stay in the main house or properties on the sprawling Norfolk estate.
A source said: “The Queen wants as many family members there as possible.”
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward said: “Since 1988 they’ve celebrated at Sandringham and, before that, Windsor.
“It’s a significant place for the Queen this year as it’s where her father died 70 years ago and where he spent his last weeks shooting.
“Also, without Philip at her side this year, it’s important that she should be there with the family and keep up a sense of normality.
“She must be so fed up with Windsor. It’s rather gloomy being surrounded by grey brick and she’s been there for so long that she will be keen to get away.”
Sources say Covid is also likely to prevent the royals from meeting well-wishers after the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham.
