Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 96th birthday at Sandringham Palace on Thursday. The Queen has been on the throne for the longest of all British monarchs - on February 6, 2022, she celebrated her platinum anniversary on the throne - 70 years.

The Queen flew to Sandringham Manor in Norfolk by helicopter from Windsor Castle..

Elizabeth II will stay in a cottage on the estate, which was especially liked by her late husband, Prince Philip.

The celebration will take place in close circle with members of the royal family and close friends..

And the official birthday celebrations will be held in June.

The Queen has had mobility issues in recent months and has been forced to miss a number of events, including Easter church services..

This year she appeared in public only once - at the service in memory of Prince Philip in Westminster Abbey..

The Queen's 96th birthday is another record for British monarchs. This year, she became the first monarch to celebrate her 70th platinum birthday on the throne..