The heartbreaking reason Prince Philip will be spending Valentine's Day alone

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip have been married for 72 years, but they are spending today apart.

Prince Philip lives full time on the royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where the Queen has been staying for an extended winter break.

The monarch took the train from King’s Lynn train station in Norfolk to return to her base in London.

A friend of Philip said the Queen feels he has earned himself a 'proper retirement' after being 'on duty' since the pair married in 1947.

They said, 'She knows him too well, if he was still at the centre of royal life he’d feel he had to be involved.

'Being at Wood Farm means he’s not too far away, but far enough to be able to relax.'

It's no wonder the Queen is keen for her husband to focus on relaxing, given his recent health problems.

During the Christmas break, Prince Philip, 98, was admitted to King Edward VII’s hospital in London to receive treatment for a 'pre-existing condition.'

The Queen's return to the capital comes after news that her grandson, Peter Phillips, and his wife Autumn are divorcing.

A source revealed that while the Queen is 'sad at the decision, both families are hugely supportive of them both and the girls.'

Robyn is a celebrity and entertainment journalist and editor with over eight years experience in the industry. As well as contributing regular to woman&home, she also often writes for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman's Weekly and The Sun.