The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh braved the rain to attend a church service on the Sandringham estate on Sunday morning. The royal couple were joined by their nephew David Linley at the service, hosted at St Mary the Virgin Church in Flitcham.
David's outing came just two days after the death of his father Lord Snowdon at the age of 86. The photographer died peacefully at his home on Friday, it was revealed by Camera Press, the photographic agency he worked with.
© Photo: RexThe Queen appeared back to full health at church on Sunday
The 55-year-old appeared sombre as he left the service with his wife Serena, who was dressed in a smart black coat, hat and heels. The couple are believed to have been staying at Sandringham House for the weekend as they did last year.
The outing marked only the second time the Queen has been seen in public since she was struck down with a heavy cold that forced her to delay her annual trip to Sandringham and miss the traditional Christmas and New Year's Day church services for the first time in 28 years.
Her Majesty appeared to be back in good health and smiled cheerfully as she arrived at the church alongside her husband. The Queen wore a vibrant purple coat and matching hat for the occasion, and clutched a clear umbrella to avoid getting wet during their short walk from their car.
© Photo: RexDavid Linley and his wife Serena also attended the service
A crowd of 200 people applauded the Queen's return to church last week along with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Middleton family. The monarch hadn't been seen in public for almost a month, after both she and Prince Philip developed heavy colds.
While Prince Philip was well enough to attend the church services by Christmas and New Year's, the Queen missed the annual services while recuperating.
Her Majesty will lighten her heavy workload in 2017 by stepping down as patron from 25 charities. It is expected that her grandson Prince William will take on some of her workload by relocating to London to become a full-time royal later this year.
