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THE Queen has revealed she will spend Christmas with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle for the first time in 33 years.

Her Majesty, 94, usually spends the festive season with her whole family at Sandringham but her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren make up 10 separate households.

The Queen has revealed her Christmas plans
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The Queen has revealed her Christmas plansCredit: Getty Images - Getty
She will spend the day with Philip at Windsor Castle
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She will spend the day with Philip at Windsor Castle

Buckingham Palace confirmed today she instead plans to enjoy the day with Prince Philip at Windsor.

This will be the first Christmas away from Sandringham since 1987.

A spokesperson said: "Having considered all the appropriate advice, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor."

It is not clear if any of the royal family will be joining them for the celebrations.

The Queen's first televised Christmas speech was made at Sandringham
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The Queen's first televised Christmas speech was made at SandringhamCredit: PA:Press Association

Prince Charles will spend Christmas with Camilla at Highgrove, in Gloucestershire but are expecting to see the Queen and Philip at some stage.

The meeting would be socially distanced and outside, a spokesperson said.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have not yet announced their plans.

A source said: "They may see some members of the family but the Queen and Duke understand family will have competing demands over the Christmas period and are content to have a quiet festive period this year."

The Queen has been locked in a safe "HMS Bubble" at Windsor Castle during lockdown.

The Sun exclusively revealed how servants at Sandringham were told not to expect her back for the Christmas period.

A revolt among estate workers has already thrown the Queen’s festive plans into turmoil after staff refused to quarantine away from their own loved ones.

Normally, a large group of Royals gather at the Norfolk estate, exchanging presents on Christmas Eve.

They then all go to church together on Christmas morning - with hundreds of wellwishers gathering to greet them.

Traditionally, the Queen spent more time at Windsor for the festive period when her children were younger.

But when rewiring was being carried out in 1987, she moved to Sandringham to celebrate and the tradition stuck.

It comes as the UK prepares for Covid rules to be relaxed for five days over Christmas.

Between December 23 and 27, up to three households will be allowed to gather to celebrate together.

It will be the first time in 33 years she won't be at Sandringham
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It will be the first time in 33 years she won't be at Sandringham
Her Majesty's Christmas will be very different
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Her Majesty's Christmas will be very differentCredit: PA:Press Association
Usually the royals visit church together on Christmas morning
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Usually the royals visit church together on Christmas morningCredit: PA:Press Association
But they will not be in attendance together this year
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But they will not be in attendance together this yearCredit: PA:Press Association
She travels to Sandringham in 1962 with Princess Margaret, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew
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She travels to Sandringham in 1962 with Princess Margaret, Prince Charles and Prince AndrewCredit: Rex Features
The royals used to spend Christmas in Windsor, pictured at St George's Chapel in 1978
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The royals used to spend Christmas in Windsor, pictured at St George's Chapel in 1978Credit: PA:Press Association
Philip and the Queen will spend a 'quiet' Christmas together instead
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Philip and the Queen will spend a 'quiet' Christmas together insteadCredit: Getty - Contributor
The Queen pictured with the Queen Mother on her 81st birthday at Sandringham
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The Queen pictured with the Queen Mother on her 81st birthday at Sandringham Credit: Getty - Contributor
The Queen loves washing up in her marigolds but only eats titchy Christmas dinners, claims Paul Burrell