For the first time in decades, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will spend Christmas at the Windsor Castle instead of the usual Sandringham estate.
Officials at the Buckingham Palace confirmed that the royal couple may see members of their family briefly but Christmas celebrations will most likely involve just the two of them.
In a bid to prevent large gatherings, the Queen is expected not to attend Christmas Day church. The royal family spent several Christmases at Windsor Castle back when the Queen's children were small.