I’m orf, Philip
Queen back at Windsor Castle, leaving her husband in Norfolk
He wants to get back to enjoying his retirement in the comfort of his own home
PALACE INSIDER ON PHILIP STAYING AT SANDRINGHAM
THE Queen has returned to Windsor Castle after her brief retreat to Sandringham – but the Duke of Edinburgh has stayed behind.
Sources say Philip, 99, rejected the idea of upping sticks again, choosing to remain at the beloved estate in Norfolk.
A Palace insider said the Iron Duke had “grown tired” of not being at his preferred home and “refused to move around any longer”.
The source added: “The duke made it very clear he would be remaining at Sandringham. He has arranged to see the Queen on scheduled weekends and at Christmas.
“He wants to get back to enjoying his retirement within the comfort of his own home where he can continue to read, paint and write to his many patronages and associations which he is still in contact with.”
Philip has spent much of his time since retirement in 2017 at his cottage, Wood Farm, in the sanctuary of Sandringham.
While the Queen, 94, was usually more than 100 miles away at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle carrying out her duties. The royal couple spent more time under the same roof during lockdown than they had for many years.
The pair, who have been married 72 years, have spent almost seven months together after being placed into joint quarantine, dubbed HMS Bubble, at Windsor Castle in Berkshire in March.
They then spent six weeks at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire over the summer before cutting short their break to spend the past three weeks in Norfolk. Buckingham Palace said a few weeks ago the Queen’s intention was to return in October to Windsor, which is her favourite home.
The monarch arrived there on Tuesday, the Palace said yesterday.
She left the Palace on March 19 and has since been forced to cancel all major events there and at Windsor Castle for the rest of the year because of the pandemic.
Receptions and investitures have been postponed but she has told staff she will travel back to London to undertake some engagements this year.
The Palace said last week that the Queen intends to “resume the use of Buckingham Palace during an autumn programme of audiences and engagements, in line with all relevant guidance and advice”.
The monarch made her first major appearance since lockdown in June, when she attended a small military ceremony conducted in honour of her “official” birthday.
A month later, she knighted Captain Sir Tom Moore at Windsor Castle, after the Second World War veteran raised almost £33million for NHS Charities Together by walking laps of his garden in the lead-up to his 100th birthday.
Meanwhile, the Queen is planning a huge revamp of the play area at Sandringham to make it more fun for children.
New features to attract more visitors will be inspired by landmarks around the estate such as St Mary Magdalene church.
The revamp includes a 26fthigh pair of towers, according to plans submitted to the council.