Queen arrives in Norfolk to police sniffer dogs as security ramped up for Christmas break
QUEEN ELIZABETH II was spotted leaving the train that took her from London to Norfolk, where she will spend her winter holidays.
Queen arrives in Norfolk for Christmas break at Sandringham
The Queen was spotted arriving at King's Lynn train station. The monarch wore a pastel pink coat, paired with a pink dress that could be seen underneath it. She accessorised her outfit with a pink foulard on her neck, a colourful pastel blue, green and yellow scarf on her head and her signature black handbag.
Earlier this morning the Queen was seen looking outside of the window of the train taking her to King's Lynn train station.
To ensure the Queen a smooth and safe arrival, police officers searched the train station this morning.
Policemen were spotted looking inside bins and behind pipes, others were making sure the tracks were clear.
A police dog was also seen on the platform where the Queen arrived.
The Queen travels to Norfolk every year by train, and her journey signals the Royal Family's official beginning of the festive season.
The monarch usually stays at Sandringham House between late December and February 6.
On the day, the Queen celebrates her late father's birthday in Norfolk, at the estate he loved dearly, before returning to London to work.
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The Queen carried out her last engagement of 2019 yesterday, when she attended the State Opening of Parliament and delivered the speech written for her by the Government, where she listed the bills planned by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Today, the monarch will reunite with Prince Philip, who has been spending the last few months at a five-bedroom cottage on the grounds of Sandringham.
The Duke of Edinburgh is believed to have arrived at Sandringham in early September.
There, he suffered "a bit of a wobble", according to a source.
They told The Sun: “A few weeks ago Philip had a bit of a wobble and hasn’t felt so energetic.
“He has been living quietly at Sandringham, where he spends most of his time reading and pottering about.
“Until recently he has been very active — carriage riding, fishing at Balmoral and driving around royal estates — although he no longer drives on public roads following his crash in January.
“His mind is as sharp as ever."
While in Sandringham, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen will have a chance to relax and rest after a difficult year.
But next week they will host several guests, with many senior royals expected to spend their Christmas with the Queen and Philip.
Among them, there are Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and their children George, Charlotte and Louis.
Prince Andrew is also expected to be in Sandringham with his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Zara and Mike Tindall are often guests of the Queen between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, and royal fans could spot them among the members of the Royal Family walking to church on December 25.