Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Queen: I’ll be there
Her Majesty says she is fit for family Xmas at Sandringham
THE Queen has told her family she is well enough to host Christmas at her Sandringham estate after recovering from a back sprain.
The monarch, 95, assured them she is feeling “far better” and is “looking forward” to having them at the traditional festive get-together in Norfolk.
Her Majesty has been resting under doctors’ orders at Windsor Castle after getting injured nearly two weeks ago and last month spending a night in hospital for an unconfirmed condition.
Christmas will have special significance this year, after losing her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, in April.
It is understood the Queen will travel to Sandringham on or around Friday, December 17. Royal sources said it was likely she would make a 50-minute helicopter journey from Windsor, but insisted a traditional journey by train has not yet been ruled out.
Christmas guests will include Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children.
Prince Edward, his wife Sophie and their children, Louise and
James, have also confirmed their attendance. Princess Anne and her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall are also expected to attend. Royal sources suggested scandal-hit Prince Andrew had “obviously” been invited, while Prince Harry and his wife Meghan were “highly unlikely” to fly from California with their two children despite being invited.
The Queen spent last
Christmas alone with the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor due to the pandemic.
A source said: “The Queen has told everyone she is feeling far better of late and is very much looking forward to welcoming them for Christmas.
“Like many families, this will be the first time Her Majesty can gather with her extended family after being kept apart for so long due to the coronavirus.”
After a period away from public duties the Queen has this week maintained a steady diary from Windsor Castle.
Yesterday she carried out two virtual audiences via videolink, welcoming the High Commissioner for Nigeria, Sarafa Tunji Isola, and then the Ambassador of Malaysia, Zakri Jaafar.
Buckingham Palace said the Christmas plans were “a private affair”.