Princess Anne says the Queen is ‘feeling better’

There have been concerns for Queen Elizabeth’s health after she pulled out of two traditional church services while suffering from a “heavy cold”, but her daughter, Princess Anne, has confirmed that the monarch is finally on the mend.

The Queen had to cancel her visit to St. Mary Magdelene church in Sandringham on Christmas Day for the first time since 1988 after she and Prince Philip became ill. They left for their traditional Christmas break in Norfolk a day late, arriving by helicopter instead of the usual train journey. Prince Philip has since made a full recovery.

However, the Queen is still suffering from her cold, and fears for her wellbeing grew when she cancelled her second church appearance - this time at the New Year’s Day service at Sandringham. 

While talking to well-wishers outside the church, Princess Anne, who had attended the church service with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and other royals, told onlookers that the Queen is now feeling “better”. Her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence, added that Queen Elizabeth was feeling “not too bad”. 

Officials insist that the Queen is up and about, and is still doing some work from home. It is hoped that she will make a full recovery soon.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were also absent from the service, after they spent Christmas with Catherine’s family in Berkshire.