Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.Photo: Steve Parsons/PA Images via Getty
DuringQueen Elizabeth’sreturn to Sandringham, she’ll be staying in a place full of reminders of her late husband Prince Philip.
Prince Philip, whodiedin April at age 99, spent much of his time at the cozier five-bedroom Wood Farm home, which was modified in recent years to make it easier for him to get around, after he retired from public life in August 2017. While the Queen remained largely at Buckingham Palace in London continuing her royal duties, her husband enjoyed life in the country with activities like carriage driving and painting.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020,Prince Philipand the Queen spent much of their time together at Windsor Castle before his death.
Wood Farm entrance.Stephen Pond/Getty
“She doesn’t have to be monarch there,” added a former staffer. “She can be Elizabeth rather than the Queen.”
The royal residence is also a bittersweet place.Queen Elizabethtraditionally stays at Sandringham until after Feb. 6, the anniversary of the day her father King George VI died and she became monarch.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at Sandringham.Dennis Oulds/Central Press/Getty
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE’s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!
Known as Accession Day, the Queen normally spends it in quiet, somber reflection at Sandringham, as it marks the death of her beloved father as much as the day that her life changed forever. Around the time, she often takes part in a low-key engagement close toher estate in Norfolk.
This February marks the 70th anniversary of her accession, which will be celebrated withPlatinum Jubileecelebrations through June.
source: people.com
