The Queen spent about 90 minutes enjoying the company of fellow members of the Sandringham Women's Institute today.

Eastern Daily Press: Guest speaker Lucy Worsley pictured with some of the members after the WI meeting at West Newton Village Hall. Picture: Ian BurtGuest speaker Lucy Worsley pictured with some of the members after the WI meeting at West Newton Village Hall. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2017)

Each year she visits the WI at West Newton village hall, as part of her winter stay on the Sandringham estate.

The Queen, who wore a deep pink coat, is president of the branch and has been a member since 1953.

After arriving in a Range Rover shortly before 3pm, she was greeted by the group's chairman and vice-president, Yvonne Browne, and about 30 members.

The Queen was joined by TV presenter and historian Lucy Worsley, this year's guest speaker.

She said: 'I was all of a tremble beforehand. I brought my mother, Ned Worsley, from Berkshire with me.

'I gave a powerpoint presentation and I had a terror the machines were not going to work.

'I have given many talks before but never one in these circumstances. It was a bit nerve-racking, but once I started talking I got in my zone. We talked about Jane Austen, her bicentennial year and our favourites of her novels.

'I also talked about Jane Austen being on the banknotes along with another woman, the Queen.'

The members enjoyed a special tea, which included ginger cakes, profiterole and meringues.

Ms Worsley added: 'Everyone was very relieved to see her well and present. It was extraordinary to do it. I enjoyed it and it was the most amazing audience ever.'

Mrs Browne, who has known the Queen for 45 years, said: 'We know each other now.

'It went very well and was a really good meeting. The Queen did not give an address, which was maybe because of the cough she's had, but she signed the minutes and presented a competition trophy for chocolate cake and patchwork.

'Members of the WI performed Cinderella for her. She seemed to enjoy the afternoon. She seems to have recovered from her cold, but she's still got a cough. I think the Queen's a real trouper at 90 years of age.'

? Are you welcoming a special guest to your WI? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk