The Queen and Prince Philip were driven to church at Sandringham instead of walking because the monarch is suffering from a knee injury, it has been revealed.
Since dozens of royal well wishers gather to greet the royals as they pass by on the short walk from the main house to the estate church, Sunday’s break with tradition had caused comment and disappointment. There was even speculation that the Duke might not have been in good enough health for the walk – a concern swiftly allayed by a “business as usual” statement from Buckingham Palace and by some broad smiles from the Queen during the drive.
As it turns out, it was the Queen who was not able to make the walk, not her hale and hearty husband. The keen horsewoman sustained the injury during a recent visit to stables in Newmarket and has had to use a walking stick for some of the time since.
The irrepressible Duke, though, was out and about yesterday at Sandringham, driving himself to a clay-pigeon shoot on the estate and swiftly replying, “Why, do I look ill?” when questioned about how he was feeling.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
