The Queen has left Sandringham

Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Queen returned to Windsor yesterday after a week-long stay in West Norfolk.

She came to Sandringham to stay at Wood Farm ahead of her 96th birthday last Thursday.

Her Majesty returned to Windsor in the same way she came, by a Sikorsky S-76C helicopter flight.

She had no public engagements while in Norfolk but was known to have visited her stables on the estate and seen her racing manager John Warren.

She is hoping to attend the State Opening of Parliament on May 10 if her health allows her.