The Queen is at Sandringham today

The Queen is expected to return to Sandringham today ahead of her 96th birthday tomorrow.

National newspapers reported that she will fly back by helicopter today from Windsor and will be staying at Wood Farm on the Sandringham Estate.

The cottage was the home of her husband the Duke of Edinburgh for most of the last years of his life, ahead of his death in April 2021.

Reports said it is expected she will be visited by family and friends over the next few days to celebrate in a typically ‘low-key’ way.

The Queen's health has caused concern recently with her uncharacteristically having to miss some engagements due to 'mobility issues', including the Maundy Thursday ceremony in London last Thursday.

Prince Charles stood in for his mother at the event - only the fifth time during the 70 years of her reign she has not appeared (twice after she had given birth and twice when she was on overseas visits).

No major public events will mark her birthday tomorrow but there will no doubt be tributes from family members and the good causes she has been involved with over the years.