This comes as a surge of Omicron cases in the UK has sparked new fears of a national lockdown. The decision was apparently a "personal one taken after careful consideration" which "reflects a precautionary approach", a royal source said.

       "There will be family visiting Windsor over the Christmas period and sensible precautions and all appropriate guidelines will be followed," PA reported.

       The 95-year-old monarch typically stays at the estate until February 6, with Christmas decorations up, as it marks the anniversary of her father's death.

       Her father, King George VI, passed away at Sandringham in 1952, when the Queen was just 25 years old.

       The monarch usually spends Christmas there with other members of the Royal Family.

       She was due to leave for Sandringham on Wednesday before the decision was announced today.

       The change may be particularly upsetting for the Queen given Sandringham's importance to the monarch.

       This will be the second year in the row the monarch has missed out on the traditional celebrations at Sandringham due to COVID-19.

       However, this year is different as it will be the first Christmas the Queen has marked since the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, earlier this year.

       It is understood family members are preparing to rally around her so she does not have to spend it alone.

       The monarch missed her usual church service at Windsor yesterday as part of the measures being taken to protect the traditional Christmas celebrations, which have been held at Sandringham since 1988.

       The Queen, 95, did not go to Sandringham last Christmas either, due to lockdown and to remain with Prince Philip in Windsor.

       And last week, the Queen cancelled the Royal Family's traditional pre-Christmas get together amid rising coronavirus cases.

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       She traditionally invites her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to join her at Buckingham Palace before she departs for her annual Christmas stay at Sandringham.

       This comes after the Queen suffered a series of health issues in recent weeks.

       She has had to cancel a number of engagements, including her attendance at COP26 and the remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph, after receiving advice from doctors telling her to rest.

       She has largely been conducting "light duties" at Windsor Castle.

       The UK recorded 91,743 new coronavirus cases yesterday.

       But earlier this evening, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would not be introducing new measures before Christmas.

       However, he did not rule out new restrictions from December 27.