The Queen has returned to Windsor after her mini-break to celebrate her 96th birthday on the Sandringham estate.
The monarch flew back to her Berkshire castle by helicopter today after spending a week at her Norfolk retreat.
Her Majesty wanted to be close to her beloved late husband, Prince Philip and stayed at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Wood Farm home, a cottage nestled in the far reaches of the country estate.
Philip spent much of his retirement at the property before moving to Windsor during lockdown.
The Queen has told how her late husband “loved” the cottage and part of its attraction was because the “sea was so close”.
Royal sources told The Mirror how the Queen appeared “refreshed and revitalised” after some rest in the countryside, where she indulged in her passion for horses by visiting the Royal Stud several times.
The Queen has been suffering from mobility issues in recent months and has been forced to cancel or miss several high profile events.
Courtiers have since suggested the monarch should not be expected at any public events in the future ahead of time and will confirm on the day.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen is hoping to attend the State Opening of Parliament in less than two weeks’ time, on May 10, but confirmation will again be made closer to the time or on the day.
The Queen has opened Parliament on all but two occasions during her reign.
The exceptions were in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and then Prince Edward, when her speech was read by the Lord Chancellor.
In just over a month’s time, the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend will get under way, celebrating the nation’s longest reigning head of state’s 70 years on the throne.
Festivities include Trooping the Colour, beacon lighting, a service of thanksgiving, the Epsom Derby, a pop concert at Buckingham Palace, and a spectacular Jubilee Pageant on the streets of London.
It has not yet been confirmed how many of the high-profile events the Queen will be able to attend, but is especially keen to attend the Derby it is understood.
Meanwhile, Her Majesty was today urged to apologise by Caribbean protesters seeking reparations during the Earl and Countess of Wessex’s visit to Saint Lucia.
One protester, who would not provide his name, told reporters today: “We want reparations now. The Queen of England needs to apologise for slavery.”
Another smiled and said: “London Bridge is falling down.”
The group of around 10 demonstrators displayed banners such as “repatriation with reparations” and “Queen say sorry” while playing bongos and chanting.
