The Queen attended church in Sandringham, the first time she has been seen in public since falling ill before Christmas.
The 90-year-old monarch had missed the traditional church services over the festive period and the New Year as she battled a heavy cold, prompting concerns for her health.
The Queen, dressed on royal blue, arrived at St Mary Magdalene Church, accompanied by senior royals, including the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
She and Prince Philip had been forced to delay their journey from Buckingham Palace to their Norfolk estate in the days before Christmas after she fell ill with a respiratory illness.
A small crowd of people greeted the Queen as she was driven the short distance to the church in a burgundy Bentley, with Prince Philip, who was also ill before Christmas.
Kate and William walked the short distance from the house to the church, but there was no sign of Prince George or Princess Charlotte.
Although she has missed the church services, and has not been in seen in public for several weeks the monarch has carried out other official duties.
She presented Ray Wheaton, her Page of the Chambers, with the insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, the court circular recorded.
There was applause from well-wishers as the Queen left the church after the service.
Colin Bunn, 70, of Snettisham, Norfolk, said: "We live locally so we come to Sandringham quite frequently and were here on Christmas Day.
"She looked beautiful and came down the steps unaided."
His wife Pam, 67, said: "She looked good. She had a lovely outfit on and looked well."
After more than six decades on the throne, the queen has cut back on international tours and Buckingham Palace said last month she would step down as patron of several charities and other organisations to reduce her workload.
No comments:
Post a Comment