The Queen ‘secretly returns’ to London following bout of ill-health

The Queen left Windsor for a brief trip to London last week after being ordered to take it easy by doctors.

• The Queen was spotted undertaking light duties in London, weeks after she stayed overnight in hospital.
• Her Majesty cancelled a pre-Christmas get together with family amid Omicron fears.
• It follows royal news that Prince William is set to enjoy a 'new version of Christmas'

The Queen was spotted in London without her walking stick, which is a sure sign Her Majesty is feeling better after a bout of ill-health.

Her Majesty has been at Windsor Castle ever since doctors ordered her to rest up following a back sprain and a subsequent stay overnight in hospital.

But, as rumors continue to circulate as to whether the 95-year-old Monarch will go ahead with her annual Christmas at Sandringham plans, the Queen was back on her feet in London last week.

Although it's hoped that the Queen will celebrate Christmas at Sandringham this year, with her family— after her annual festive party at Windsor Castle

According to The Sun, an onlooker said, “Everyone has been worried sick for the Queen after she went to hospital."

“So it was great she was out and about and on her feet and looking back to her best. Hopefully, being on her feet in London is a sign that we will see her back on engagements soon."

"This is such a boost ahead of Christmas when everyone is so down in the dumps right now.”

It comes just days after the Queen made the decision to cancel her pre-Christmas get-together with other members of the royal family amid the COVID-19 spike.

The Queen—who lost her husband earlier this year—has said "with regret" that the royal family's annual Christmas party will be canceled.

It is said that Her Majesty has made this decision because it was "the right thing to do" as cases of the Omicron variant continue to surge in the UK.

It has been reported that although the decision to cancel was "a precautionary one," it was felt by Her Majesty that this festive family get-together would "put too many people's Christmas arrangements at risk if it went ahead".

This pre-Christmas reunion was for the entire royal family, before the Queen and other members head to Norfolk for Christmas Day.

It is thought that the Queen would fly via helicopter to Sandringham House where she will be joined by Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their children who will be staying close by at their Norfolk property Amner Hall.

Traditionally the family also gets together at Sandringham on Christmas Eve for dinner where they also keep a tradition that pays tribute to the royal family's German heritage. 

The family then has an additional feast on Christmas Day where they eat a turkey lunch after they attend the Christmas mass at St Mary Magdalene's Church on the Sandringham estate.

Now that the Windsor event is canceled, it is unclear when Her Majesty will travel to Sandringham and which members of the royal family might join her there.