She was driven the few hundred yards to the service as Philip remained at the King Edward VII’s Hospital in London. The Queen was joined by the Earl and Countess of Wessex and their children, Lady Louise Windsor, 16, and 12-year-old James, Viscount Severn. Unusually, the 50-minute service – led by the Rector of Sandringham, Canon Jonathan Riviere – was not broadcast to the crowd outside. 

But it is thought that worshippers sang carols and joined in prayers for Prince Philip and others who are in ill-health. 

Her Majesty, wearing a bottle green coat and matching hat, stopped to chat to the rector outside before being driven away. 

Eleanor Brown-Ahern, 37, of Walsoken, Norfolk, was among the well-wishers in the crowd. 

She said: “The Queen definitely looked in good spirits. She looked remarkably well considering what she has got going on at home.” 

And Mandy Gent, 44, of Long Sutton, Lincs, added: “The fact she waved at people is a good sign about Philip’s health. It shows that she is just carrying on as normal. 

“I hope he makes it back in time for Christmas Day.” 

There are clues that Philip’s hospital stay is casting a shadow over the royal’s festive celebrations. 

The Queen is believed to have postponed a visit to see horses on her stud farm at Sandringham, which she normally tours soon after arriving from London. 

In another apparent break from routine, there was no pheasant shoot at the estate on Saturday, despite it being the height of the season. 

Other members of the clan are expected to join the monarch at Sandringham in the coming days, before making their traditional appearance at church on Christmas Day. 

It is unclear whether Prince Andrew will be in attendance and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – who are now in Canada – have already said they will be staying away. 

But the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to be at the service with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who may walk to the church in front of the crowd for the first time. 

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