The Queen's ill health may again prevent her from attending church on Sunday.

The monarch has stayed out of the public eye since Christmas after being struck down with a heavy cold.

Buckingham Palace was unable to confirm whether the 90-year-old would be attending the Sunday service at Sandringham and refused to comment on Princess Anne’s assurances on New Year’s Day that the Queen was feeling “better”.

Speculation as to whether the Queen is well enough to resume her usual routine remains just that, as palace officials said her appearance will be confirmed after 9.30am on Sunday.