The Queen wrapped up warm and wore a fur hat to attend the morning service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, but in the end the sun came out to greet her, the Duke of Edinburgh and several hundred well-wishers.

Among those waiting in the cold was Halina Wiglusz, from Middleton, near King's Lynn, who said: 'I'm originally from Poland and I wanted to see the Queen. I'm celebrating my 30th wedding anniversary with my husband this year, and we want to make this year special.'

Nadia O'Brien and her children Tanya and Nick, from Peterborough, were also present.

Mrs O'Brien said: 'We have lived in Peterborough for 14 years, but this is the first time we've seen the Queen at Sandringham.' Meanwhile, Glenis and John Walkling, from Watton, combined the visit with a walk in the grounds of Sandringham House.