You know Christmas is coming when the Queen gets the train to King’s Lynn

The Queen caught the train to start her Christmas break in Norfolk.

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, the 91-year-old monarch joined passengers aboard the 10:44 from London to King's Lynn en route to her Norfolk retreat.

Most did not realise who was sitting in the First Class compartment near the front of the Great Northern service for the 90-minute journey from London King's Cross.

'We knew absolutely nothing until we were on the journey,' one man said. 'We saw her in the carriage, bizarre.'

Another male traveller added: 'I knew she was on the train but it didn't really bother me.'

On arrival at King's Lynn station, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were greeted by station manager Graeme Pratt. Picture: Ian Burt - Credit: Archant

The Queen and Duke, who was carrying a book on Michaelangelo, were greeted by station manager Graeme Pratt as they alighted on Platform 2.

'I asked the Queen about her journey and she said it was pleasant,' he said. 'We talked about the weather and she said it was mild for the time of year.

'I wished her a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. It's a privilege having her travel on our trains.'

Great Northern said the train ran on time. A spokesman said: 'It was a real honour to have Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh using our services today.'

Sandringham House, where the Royal Family gathers for Christmas. Picture: Ian Burt

The Queen and 96-year-old Duke are believed to have bought £56 first class single tickets for the journey. While both would qualify by virtue of her age, neither is understood not to have used a Senior Citizen's Railcard, which would have enabled her to save 30pc of the fare.

After leaving the station via an exit known as the Royal Gate, the couple then got into a Range Rover for the final eight miles of her journey to Sandringham.

Members of the Royal Family are set to join her on Christmas Eve for their traditional festive gathering.

The Queen usually arrives a few days beforehand to oversee preparations, including choosing a Christmas tree from her own sawmill.

The book that the Duke of Edinburgh was holding after arriving by train at King's Lynn station in Norfolk after travelling from London at the start of his traditional Christmas break, which he and the Queen will spend on the Royal estate at Sandringham. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Thursday December 21, 2017. See PA story ROYAL Queen. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire - Credit: PA

Thousands of wellwishers are expected at Sandringham on Monday when the Royal Family attend church.

Crowds are expected to be larger than usual this year, as Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle join the party.

The Duke of Edinburgh sometimes brings a book to read on the train.

This year, he stepped off the carriage holding a copy of Michelangelo: The Complete Paintings, Sculptures and Architecture by Frank Zollner.

The biography explores the historic masterpieces of the Renaissance artist and sculptor and the updated version was published earlier this year by Taschen.

Michelangelo (1475 - 1564) became the most well-known artist in the world. He was made famous by his statue of David and his painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City.

First published in 2014 to commemorate the 450th anniversary of his death, the latest edition is retailing for around £45 on the publisher's website.

In previous years, the Queen has been spotted browsing on her iPad, leafing through paperwork and even opening Christmas cards on the journey from London to Lynn.