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Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen attends church at Sandringham for the final time before returning to London next week

The Queen attended church on Sunday morning for the final time this season as she prepares to head back to London.

Her Majesty attended the church service alone with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, staying at Sandringham House.

The 97-year-old Prince has not attended church alongside The Queen since they arrived in Norfolk in December.

To counter the rainy weather, The Queen attended church wearing a radiant yellow suit paired with pearls and a matching hat with feathers.

A lady-in-waiting accompanied the monarch to the service which was held at St Mary Magdalene Church.

The Queen has been at Sandringham House in Norfolk for the best part of two months having departed London for her country retreat in December.

But as the Winter season comes to an end and the daylight extends later into the evening, Her Majesty will be preparing to travel back to Buckingham Palace any day now.

Leaving Sandringham is always a time tinged with sadness for the Monarch. Not only is the private estate one of her most favourite residences, but her departure comes just after Accession Day when the then Princess Elizabeth officially became Queen following the death of her father, King George VI.

It has long been a tradition that The Queen does not return to the capital city until after Accession Day on February 6.

The Duke of Edinburgh will likely stay on a little longer at Sandringham than his wife, as he does most years.

Sandringham has been privately owned by the royal family since 1862 after it was purchased by Queen Victoria at the request of her son and future King, Prince Edward.

It has remained close to the royals since, and many members of The Royal Family gather here every year for the festive season.