Queen all smiles on eve of historic milestone

The Queen at West Newton church on the eve of the 65th anniversary of her accession to the throne Credit: PA
The Queen greets crowds at West Newton church near Sandringham Credit: PA

Well-wishers were greeted with a smile as the Queen went on a walkabout ahead of becoming the first British monarch to reach their Sapphire Jubilee.

The 90 year-old looked pleased as she gathered up bouquets from the waiting crowds after the church service at St Peter and St Paul in West Newton, Norfolk.

Three-year-old Jessica Atfield, who dressed specially for the occasion in aUnion flag skirt, was delighted when she got to hand over a bunch of flowers to the Queen.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the day that Elizabeth II came to the throne.She has now reigned for 65 years.

Accession Day will, as usual though, be a low key affair.

The Queen will be spending it privately at her Sandringham Estate in Norfolk and no grand celebrations have been planned.

The Queen, dressed in an aquamarine blue and black dress and coat, was joined at the church service by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Crowds gathering outside the church at West Newton Credit: ITV Anglia