The Queen hosts guests at one palace while relaxing in a different castle

The Queen has greeted guests at Buckingham Palace from a completely different castle, welcoming foreign diplomats virtually from Windsor Castle.

Her Majesty and Prince Philip have retreated to the Castle for the Christmas period, planning to spend the holidays there instead of at Sandringham, where they usually stay.

It's the first time the royals have spent Christmas at Windsor Castle in more than 30 years, but the monarch isn't on holidays yet.

With duties still to attend to, Her Majesty has taken to the internet to carry out formal engagements, greeting diplomats at Buckingham Palace via video link.

She hosted two virtual diplomatic audiences, one with German ambassador Andreas Michaelis and his wife, and a second with High Commissioner for Brunei and his wife.

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The diplomats greeted the Queen from the Equerry's Room at Buckingham Palace, while she sat in the Oak Room at Windsor Castle.

She wore a bright blue blouse, paired with a glittering brooch, strings of pearls and vibrant red lipstick.

It's not the first time Her Majesty has had to carry out a virtual engagement, the 94-year-olld having become familiar with Zoom calls during the coronavirus pandemic.

She and other senior royals had to adapt to working from home during the UK lockdown, meeting with charities and important figures via video link from their royal residences.

While the younger royals likely had an easy time adapting to digital duties, it was something of a shock at first to see Her Majesty using Zoom to carry out engagements.

However, now it's part of the "new normal" for the royals, who are expected to continue balancing virtual and socially distanced engagements as the pandemic continues.

As for their Christmas plans, those are yet to be decided, though the Queen will remain at Windsor Castle for the holidays.

Though the Queen reunited with senior royals like Kate Middleton and Prince William at a recent engagement, it's unclear if they will be able to spend the holidays together under the UK's Christmas 'bubble' rules.

It could mean the monarch may end up spending Christmas alone at Windsor, with only Philip for company.

It would be a sad way to spend the holidays, especially given the happy news just released by one of the Queen's beloved grandchildren.

Zara Tindall and husband Mike are expecting their third child in the new year, news that reportedly left Her Majesty "delighted".