The Queen left Norfolk yesterday after spending her winter break in the county.

She arrived at King's Lynn station just after 10.45am and boarded the 10.56am First Capital Connect service for the 1hr 40m journey to King's Cross.

The Queen was driven the nine miles from Sandringham in a dark green Range Rover. Entering the platform through a side gate, she braved the bitter Norfolk wind wearing a vibrant regal blue overcoat and a floral-design headscarf.

The 86-year-old monarch was returning to Buckingham Palace after spending the festive period with family at Sandringham House.

The Queen made a low key exit from Norfolk with only a few passengers realising they were in royal company. She travelled in the front first class compartment of the train.

Despite the cold there was a jovial atmosphere on the platform with the train's driver declaring: 'Don't worry, the chauffeur is here.'

Alan Gajdzik, owner of the Countryline Buffet and Bar at King's Lynn Station, said: 'I think it's nice for King's Lynn, it's good that the Queen travels from King's Lynn. It puts King's Lynn on the map.'

'You get all types at the station, lot's working in film and so on. We've had people like John Hurt and Stephen Fry every now and then; you get all sorts.'

'It's a good service from Lynn. It's always nice to see people coming in and using it.'

The Queen, who travelled with her personal security, will have paid £52 for the single first class ticket to King's Cross and was due to arrive in London at 12.35pm.

Roger Perkins, spokesman for train firm First Capital Connect, said: 'We are delighted that once again the Royal Family has decided to use our service.'

The Duke of Edinburgh, who arrived with the Queen for the Christmas break, was not a passenger on the train and will be travelling to London separately.