Serene in lime green, the Queen returns
LOOKING relaxed and dressed in lime green, the Queen prepares to board a train back to London yesterday at the end of her traditional winter break.
In a bright sea creature-print headscarf, she boarded a train at King’s Lynn station in Norfolk, near her Sandringham estate.
The Queen traditionally spends Christmas and New Year at Sandringham, returning to Buckingham Palace after the anniversary of her father George VI’s death on February 6. This year that occasion was a particularly poignant as she became the first British monarch to reach their Sapphire Jubilee – 65 years on the throne.
As in previous years, the Queen spent Accession Day privately, though a photo of her wearing sapphires given to her by her father was reissued to mark the occasion. At King’s Lynn station, the 90- year- old appeared restored to good health following the heavy cold that forced her to miss church over Christmas.
She was greeted by station manager Graeme Pratt for the short walk along the platform to the train. Mr Pratt said afterwards: ‘We exchanged pleasantries and talked about the weather. She’s been getting this train for as long as I’ve worked here, for 12 years.’
‘It’s an honour and a privilege to have her here with us.’
The Queen had reserved a firstclass carriage on the service to King’s Cross.