The Queen continued her tradition of a low-key end to her winter stay at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, yesterday, by taking a First Capital Connect service from King's Lynn train station to London King's Cross.

The 85-year-old monarch travelled in a special compartment which had been set aside for her and on a First Class Any Time Single ticket thought to have cost £47.20. Each year she buys her ticket personally and always pre-books before travelling.

Although the monarch has her own personal Royal Train, she only uses it on special occasions despite claiming it is one of the few places left on Earth where she can relax in total privacy.

The nine-carriage train contains a personal saloon for the queen which is 75ft long and comprises a bedroom, adjoining bathroom with a full-size bath and a sitting room with a sofa, armchairs and a small dining table where Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have breakfast.

There is also a desk in one corner where the queen works on her official papers.