The Queen has returned to Prince Philip's cottage for the first time since his death to mark the anniversary of her father, King George VI.
She was pictured making the emotional pilgrimage from Windsor Castle to Sandringham in Norfolk on Sunday morning. She was driven part of the way and then took a helicopter.
The couple lived apart in the final years of his life, with the Duke of Edinburgh based at Wood Farm while the Queen stayed at Buckingham Palace. She would regularly travel up to see him when she didn't have engagements.
The couple had only a small team of staff at the Farm, and they didn't wear uniforms as Philip didn't like the formality.
The five-bed cottage, which is tucked away on a quiet part of the estate overlooking the sea, is said to be were able to be a normal couple. The Queen is believed to have cooked and done the washing up during her stays there.
Before Prince Philip moved in permanently, Wood Farm was regularly used by other members of the royal family. Kate Middleton stayed there during visits to the estate before she married Prince William.
It's also where Sarah Ferguson was made to stay after her divorce from Prince Andrew. She wasn't allowed to attend the Christmas celebrations in the 'Big House', but wanted to be nearby to see daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
Prince Philip lived alone with assistance from staff at Wood Farm on Sandringham estate after transforming it into a private retreat. He was said to enjoy his time there, tucked away from the other royals, reading, painting watercolours and having friends to stay.
A source told Mail Online: "Everything is being put in order for the Queen's visit,' one said. 'We've been told that she will stay at Wood Farm, rather than the main house, which is nice as that always had a special place in his heart."
The Queen normally marks the tragic anniversary of her father's death at Sandringham, remaining there after the royal family's Christmas break.
However the spike in Covid cases meant she decided against the traditional family vacation in 2021, and instead spend the holiday at Windsor.
February 6 will mark 70 year since the King passed away, aged just 56. It will be the first time the Queen marks the anniversary without Philip by her side.
It was the Duke who told his wife, then Princess Elizabeth, the devastating news of her fathers' death. They were on holiday in Kenya at the time.
The evening before, the Queen had been taking pictures of the incredible wildlife from their tree top hideaway, including baboons, elephants and even a warthog.
The couple got ready to depart for the next stage of their tour, which should have also taken them to New Zealand and Australia.
Back in England, at Sandringham, the King's staff were preparing to wake him for the day.
Despite his recent bout of ill health, he had been happy the previous day and had even been on a shoot with a friend.
His final acts were to play with his two grandchildren, Charles and Anne, and have dinner with his youngest daughter, Princess Margaret.
James McDonald, the King's valet, realised something was seriously wrong with the monarch when he ran him a bath and he didn't wake as he usually did.
A doctor was called to the palace who confirmed the sad news that King George had passed away in his sleep.
But the couple's secluded and isolated location meant it was almost impossible to break the terrible news to the princess that her father was dead.
Journalist Granville Roberts, who was covering the royal tour, was the first person to receive the news in Kenya.
He immediately told Prince Philip's private secretary, Commander Michael Parker, who tuned into the BBC to confirm the news.
The Duke of Edinburgh had been taking an afternoon nap and was stunned when he was woken told the sad news.
And Prince Philip now had to work out how he would tell his wife the tragic news that the father she adored had died and she was now Queen.
Rather than tell his wife in a formal setting, surrounded by their staff, Philip took her for a walk in the grounds of the lodge they were staying in.
It was a private moment for the couple while Elizabeth could be alone with her husband during her moment of grief.
Ever aware of her public duty, Elizabeth immediately discussed the practicalities of her return to England.
But she also asked for an hour alone in her room.
The Queen's return was delayed for several hours due to a storm.
Her staff also realised her mourning outfit had already been sent on by plane to the next stop on her royal tour.
