The Queen has made an unexpected visit to her west Norfolk home, attending church with Prince Philip this morning (Sunday).

They appeared happy and relaxed as they left the service at St Mary Magdalene church on the Royal Sandringham estate at about noon.

Wearing a bold red outfit with a matching red hat, the Queen waved and smiled at a small group of well-wishers waiting patiently near the entrance.

She was taken back to Sandringham house in a black Land Drover driven by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Their visit to the country retreat follows the Queen's hugely successful Diamond Jubilee garden party on June 12, which saw thousands of guests gather on the lawns.

The prince, who turned 91 last month, was unable to attend the event as he continued to recover from a bladder infection which kept him in hospital for several days.

But he appeared in good health today.

Sandringham estate was a hive of activity on Wednesday when the Olympic flame passed though on its journey through west Norfolk to Norwich.