Queen Elizabeth Arrives In Sandringham To Mark Anniversary Of Father George VI's Death

Queen Elizabeth II headed to Sandringham over the weekend ahead of her late father King George VI's death anniversary.

The 95-year-old monarch flew to her estate in Norfolk, England, by helicopter Sunday, People reported.

The Queen usually stays at Sandringham starting in late December, when the royal family reunites to celebrate the holidays. However, she decided to spend the holiday at Windsor Castle accompanied by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in the U.K.

Queen Elizabeth traditionally stays at the Norfolk estate until after Feb. 6, the anniversary of the day her father died and she ascended to the throne.

Known as Accession Day, the Queen normally spends it in quiet, somber reflection at Sandringham House as it marks the death of her father. Around this time, she often takes part in a low-key engagement close to her estate.

This year, Queen Elizabeth II will mark the 70th anniversary of her accession, with Platinum Jubilee events set to be held across four days in June.

Buckingham Palace previously announced the list of events that will be held from June 2 until June 5. They will include Trooping the Colour, the lighting of Platinum Jubilee beacons, a service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul's Cathedral, the Derby at Epsom Downs, a live concert called "Platinum Party at the Palace," the Big Jubilee Lunch and the Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

Leading up to the celebrations, the Queen and other members of the royal family will travel around the U.K. to undertake a variety of engagements to mark the historic occasion.

June 2 marks the anniversary of the Queen's 1953 coronation at Westminster Abbey. While she ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, her coronation was postponed for 16 months to allow for a mourning period.

Earlier this month, to commemorate the royal's Platinum Jubilee, the Royal Mint released a new 50 pence coin with artwork depicting the Queen riding a horse.

The Queen personally approved the artwork, which represents her "fondness for nature," the BBC reported. Some coins featured Queen Elizabeth's insignia and the years of her reign so far, 1952 to 2022.

"Designed by esteemed artists and made with original craftsmanship, Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee coins are enduring pieces of art that will be collected, cherished and passed down for generations," Clare Maclennan, divisional director of The Royal Mint in Llantrisant, Wales, told the BBC, adding that the "historic occasion" was "particularly special" for them.

"The Queen's legacy on coins stretches the length of her momentous reign," said Royal Mint Museum historian Chris Barker. "Today's launch marks another significant milestone, and the Royal Mint plays a proud part in the nationwide celebrations."