The Queen caught the train back to London at the end of her christmas break in Norfolk.

She joined passengers on the 10.54am service for the 90-minute journey to London King's Cross, arriving at the station minutes before the train departed.

The 90-year-old monarch, who yesterday celebrated the 65th anniversary of her accession to the throne, was not accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh.

A first class carriage on board the Great Northern Thameslink train was reserved for the monarch, who is believed to have purchased a standard £56.10 first class ticket for the journey.

She was greeted by station manager Graeme Pratt for the short walk along the platform to the train.

'We exchanged pleasanteries and talked about the weather,' said Mr Pratt. 'She said it's a bit bleak.

'She's been getting this train for as long as I've worked here, for 12 years. It's an honour and privilege to have her here and I hope her travels with us continue.'

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh travelled to Sandringham a few days before Christmas to oversee the Royal Family's traditional festive gathering.

Instead of taking the train, as they have in recent years, the Queen and Prince Philip flew up from London by helicopter.

Both were said to have been suffering from heavy colds, which also led to their missing the Christmas Day service at Sandringham Church.

On Sunday both looked in high spirits as they greeted well wishers after attending church at West Newton.

Elizabeth II became Queen on February 6, 1952, when her father King George VI passed away in his sleep at Sandringham. Yesterday, she marked the anniversary in private on her estate.