Queen Elizabeth II Makes Emotional Journey to Sandringham Ahead of Father’s Death Anniversary

After spending several months at Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth II made an emotional journey to Sandringham in Norfolk.

The trip was made ahead of the 70th anniversary of her father's death.

Her Majesty traveled to the estate on Sunday via a helicopter and car and is reported to be staying at Wood Farm.

This is where her husband Prince Philip spent much of his time after retiring from public life.

Usually, the monarch spends the festive season at Sandringham.

However, due to Covid-19 precautions, she remained at Windsor Castle since autumn and had muted Christmas celebrations with close family last month.

The Queen and Prince Philip lived apart in the final years of his life.

The Duke of Edinburgh was based at Wood Farm while the Queen resided at Buckingham Palace.

She would regularly travel up to see him when she didn't have engagements.

The five-bed cottage is tucked away in a quiet part of the estate.

It is said to be where the couple was able to do normal things.

The Queen is believed to have cooked and done the washing up during her stays there.

Before Prince Philip moved in permanently, Wood Farm was regularly used by other members of the royal family.

The Duchess of Cambridge stayed there during visits to the estate before she married Prince William.

Sarah Ferguson was also made to stay there after her divorce from Prince Andrew.

Prince Philip lived alone with assistance from staff at Wood Farm on Sandringham Estate.

He transformed it into a private retreat and enjoyed his time there.

The Duke was said to enjoy reading, painting watercolours and having friends to stay.

A source told Mail Online that everything is being put in order for the Queen's visit and that she will stay at Wood Farm rather than in the main house, which always had a special place in Prince Philip's heart.

The Queen normally marks the tragic anniversary of her father's death at Sandringham, remaining there after the royal family's Christmas break.

However, due to the spike in Covid-19 cases, she decided against the traditional family vacation in 2021 and instead spent the holiday at Windsor.

The monarch is expected to spend a session day on February 6 with her family during an extended break at the cottage and will mark her Platinum Jubilee in private.

Four days of public celebrations will be held nationwide in June.

Whether by helicopter or by car, the 140-mile journey from Windsor to Sandringham is one to be endured rather than enjoyed, particularly for a 95-year-old.

So the decision to travel will not have been made lightly and must be taken as a sign that, if she is not robust, she is in reasonable health.

Despite being very much together, the Queen and Prince Philip lived apart in the final years of his life.

The Duke of Edinburgh was based at Wood Farm while the Queen resided at Buckingham Palace.