The Queen has been given the go-ahead by doctors to host her annual Christmas party for extended family after her recent ill health.

       The gathering will take place in Windsor Castle this year, Covid restrictions permitting, for the first time since before the pandemic.

       Buckingham Palace, where the pre-Christmas party usually takes place, is undergoing extensive renovations making Windsor Castle a more practical choice for the event. The Queen has remained in Windsor Castle for the majority of the pandemic.

       The 95-year-old is also expected to record her Christmas message at Windsor, according to the Daily Mail.

       Courtiers are also examining the possibility of the Queen making a public appearance in the run up to Christmas.

       She is expected to spend Christmas in Sandringham as normal.

       The monarch was forced to cancel a number of engagements following a back sprain and has been undertaking only light duties in recent weeks. She was last seen in public on October 19.

       Among the engagements she was forced to pull out of was the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service last month.