After an extraordinary pilgrimage, Queen Elizabeth arrived in Norfolk to mark the 70th Anniversary of her father’s death.
The 95-year-old monarch spends Christmas at Sandringham but, as a Covid precaution, has been at Windsor Castle ever since autumn. Last month, he held muted Christmas celebrations alongside close relatives.
In preparation for the anniversary of her father George VI in 1952, though, the Queen has made a special trip by helicopter followed by a short drive by car to Norfolk.
Sunday, a Mail source said: “Everything is being done in preparation for the Queen’s visit.”
“We were told she would stay at Wood Farm rather than his main home, which was a nice decision as Wood Farm has always held a special place for him.”
Although the Queen had stayed at the cottage in the past, this will be her first visit since Philip’s death in April 2013.
She The estate was last visited in November, and Philip would have normally spent the weekend at Sandringham after Halloween. He didn’t want to miss this occasion.
A short flight by helicopter from Windsor to Norfolk was all that the Queen needed in order to make a unique trip.
As the queen arrives in Sandringham, Sunday, she is pictured riding in the back of a car.
Although the Queen had visited Sandringham since her husband’s death, this will be the first visit she has made to the Wood Farm cottage in the Wood Farm since Philip died.
The Queen will mark the 70th anniversary of the death of her father George VI during an extended break at the cottage
Although the Queen had stayed at the cottage in the past, this will be her first visit since Philip’s death. It is fitting therefore that she return to the cottage. (Above: The Sandringham Estate royal couple in 1982
While visiting Sandringham as young girls, Elizabeth and Margaret rode around the estate with their parents to watch the harvest. (Above, Elizabeth with her father, George VI, at Sandringham in 1943)
Pictured: The Queen departing Windsor Castle on Sunday to travel to Sandringham (Norfolk)
However, just a week later, Buckingham Palace aides were forced to announce that ‘with great regret’ that the Queen would not be able to attend the Remembrance Sunday parade at the Cenotaph due to a ‘back sprain’.
She’s expected to celebrate Accession Day with her family on February 6, during a long break at the cottage.
Nationally, four public celebrations are planned for June.
When Philip retired from public duties in 2017 at the age of 95 – the age of the Queen today – Sandringham was the place he called home.
Wood Farm was his retirement hole. He did so with typical enthusiasm.
His day was filled with reading, writing, and painting as he managed a kitchen renovation project.
When Philip retired from public duties in 2017 at the age of 95 – the age of the Queen today – Wood Farm cottage was the place he called home
At Sandringham, there will be plenty of fond memories of ‘we four’, as the Queen’s father used to refer to his happy nuclear family – himself, his wife (the Queen Mother), Elizabeth and her sister Margaret – all pictured, along with Philip
The Queen spoke on 25th April 2020 to recall her father’s address to the nation 75 year earlier.
When she was not on duty in London the Queen would make a trip up to visit Philip. It was here that they could enjoy a more normal life than any time during her reign.
Dispensing with liveried servants, Philip had insisted that Wood Farm staff – a page, housekeeper, chef and footman – wore ordinary clothes.
Whether by helicopter or by car, the 140-mile journey from Windsor to Sandringham is one to be endured rather than enjoyed – particularly for a 95-year-old.
The decision to travel was not made lightly. It must also be understood that if she does not feel strong, it is a sign she is healthy.