Smiling Queen, 95, driven around Sandringham during mini-break after being told to rest up by docs

THE Queen was pictured smiling while being driven around Sandringham today on a mini-break.

The 95-year-old monarch had headed to her estate in Norfolk earlier this week after being told to rest up.

Royal doctors cleared the Queen to take a 50-minute helicopter flight from Windsor Castle

Her Majesty is recuperating at Sandringham after an overnight stay in hospital last month.

She was seen smiling while wearing a headscarf and sunglasses and enjoying a spin in a Range Rover.

The Queen was heading towards Wood Farm on the estate ,which she often visited with her late-husband Prince Philip around this time of year.

SANDRINGHAM SPIN

Philip, who died in April, had spent his retirement on the farm before returning to Windsor Castle with the Queen last September for lockdown.

The Duke of Edinburgh lived in the cottage after retiring in August, 2017 as the Queen carried on working at Buckingham Palace.

Doctors have told the Queen to remain on “light duties” for two weeks after spending a night in ­hospital last month for “preliminary investigations”.

Sources close to the Queen told The Sun she wants to return to work, if fit enough, in time for Remembrance Sunday on November 14.

Despite her flight, her Royal Standard flag — which denotes when the Queen is in residence — has continued to fly at Windsor Castle.

It is understood that the standard remains at the castle because her full official court of staff and servants have not travelled with her.

A source said: “The Queen is following medical advice to be on light duties — so a break to Sandringham would only be on the strictest of doctor’s orders.”

The Queen is following medical advice to be on light duties — so a break to Sandringham would only be on the strictest of doctor’s orders

Royal source

 reported yesterday that The Queen had been hoping to spend the weekend at Sandringham and was "delighted" doctors gave her the all-clear to travel. 

A source said: "Her Majesty is very much looking forward to hosting her family at her Norfolk home for the Christmas holiday and there is much preparation to be done in time to accommodate everyone who has been invited.

"The Queen has many happy memories of being at Sandringham with the family over Christmas and was in the firm belief that she was far better off being there in person to oversee everything as much as possible."

It comes after the Queen pulled out of a planned visit to the Cop26 climate change conference in Glasgow.

In a pre-recorded video for a Cop 26 reception, Her Majesty gave a secret touching tribute to her late husband in a message to world leaders.

Eagle-eyed fans spotted a photo in the background of the Duke of Edinburgh surrounded by butterflies.

Prince Charles, Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge represented the Royal Family in her absence.

Despite cancelling her Cop26 appearance and a two-day visit to Northern Ireland, the Queen has said it is her it "firm intention" to attend the Remembrance Sunday service on November 14.

Last month, she spent a night at King Edward VII hospital in London after having what palace sources described as “preliminary investigations” following health worries.