Jonathan Sacerdoti: Queen's health is 'not unusual'

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The Queen travelled to her Sandringham estate on Sunday and is expected to remain there until at least February 6. The day marks the official beginning of her 70th year on the throne.

However, it also is a sad reminder of the passing of the Queen’s father King George VI, who died at Sandringham in 1952.

As a consequence, royal author Robert Jobson expects Her Majesty to spend the day in “sombre reflection”.

He told the Mirror: “As has been tradition for many years, the Queen has travelled to her Norfolk estate at Sandringham every Christmas and usually stayed on until after the anniversary of her father King George VI’s death, on 6 February in 1952 in Sandringham.

“Again, due to Covid protocols, she had to remain at Windsor Castle since the autumn – where she held muted celebrations with close family, including the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.

“This Accession Day will officially mark 70 years as monarch following the untimely death of King at just 56.

“There will be no broadcast to the nation, for Her Majesty, who will be 96 in April, it will be a day in quiet, sombre reflection.

“Now without Prince Philip by her side, it will be even more poignant.”

Last year, the sovereign’s former press secretary Dickie Arbiter opened up on how the monarch normally spends the anniversary of her accession to the throne.

He told Australian website Honey9: “I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been asked, first as a reporter, then as a former press secretary and now as a royal commentator, how the Queen celebrates the anniversary of her accession.

“My answer has always been the same: ‘You don’t celebrate the death of your father.'”

The Queen is believed to be staying at Wood Farm, the five-bedroom cottage which often hosted her and the Duke of Edinburgh when they wanted to enjoy a relaxing break away from strict royal protocol and the media attention.

Wood Farm also became the main residence of the Duke after he retired from public duties in the summer of 2017.

The Queen, who was helicoptered to Sandringham, last visited Norfolk in November, when she was photographed being driven around her estate.

While the expert doesn’t believe the Queen will record a video message for the country to pinpoint the beginning of her historic Platinum Jubilee, the royals are preparing to celebrate this milestone throughout the next months.

Senior royals are expected to travel across the country and the Commonwealth to mark the jubilee.

But celebrations will peak during a long bank holiday weekend in the summer, lasting from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5.

During the long weekend, the Royal Family is expected to gather for a special Trooping the Colour parade, terminating at Buckingham Palace for the first time since the pandemic began.

The Queen is also expected to attend a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and head to the Epsom Derby, the only major horse race she has yet to win.

Other announced events taking place during those days include a concert at Buckingham Palace and street parties.

The Queen has spent most of the pandemic at Windsor Castle, where she has continued to work and even embraced technology to remain in touch with charities and patronages.

Since late October, following undisclosed health concerns, Her Majesty hasn’t completed any official engagements outside palace walls.

But she has continued to hold audiences and meet, albeit mostly virtually, foreign diplomats and dignitaries.

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