The Queen will not attend church on Christmas Day because she is still suffering from a heavy cold, informs BBC.

Buckingham Palace said she would stay indoors to help her recover but added that she would still participate in the family's Christmas Day celebrations.

Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Prince Harry and other royals are attending a service at Sandringham, the Queen's Norfolk estate.

Crowds have already gathered in expectation of their attendance.

The Queen and Prince Philip began their Christmas break this week one day late, postponing their trip because they were both suffering from colds.

They flew from Buckingham Palace to the Norfolk estate by helicopter on Thursday, having missed a train on Wednesday.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are celebrating Christmas with the Middleton family in Bucklebury, Berkshire.