The Queen ensured she beat the winter chill in style as she attended a church service at Sandringham on Sunday morning. The monarch wrapped up in a chic cream checked coat, Cossack hat and matching cuffs for her visit to the 11am service at St. Mary Magdalene church. As it was one of the coldest days of the year so far, the Queen also layered up with a blue blanket as she was chauffeur-driven across the Sandringham Estate to the church. Prince Philip joined the Queen for the service, and appeared to be in high spirits as he walked across to the church in a smart brown coat.
The Queen wrapped up for her visit to St Mary Magdalene church
The royal couple were originally due to attend St Mary the Virgin church at Hillington on Sunday, but the service was cancelled after plaster fell off the ceiling on New Year's Eve. Church officials decided it was too dangerous to admit members of the public because of the risk of more plaster falling, so the royals attended the morning service at St Mary Magdalene church instead. The Queen and Prince Philip usually worship at the church, which is 400 yards away from Sandringham House, most Sundays during their festive break. They are also joined by other members of the royal family for the Christmas Day service.
The Queen was driven across the Sandringham Estate for the service
However on the third Sunday in January, the service is traditionally moved to one of the four other churches in the area, and it was due to be held at Hillington in 2015. Hillington church warden Edward Dawnay expressed his disappointment that the service had to be cancelled on Sunday. "It's a shame for Hillington because people were looking forward to the Queen visiting. We hope she will be able to come next year instead."