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The Queen back to good health at WI meeting following heavy cold

the queen
Ainhoa Barcelona
Content Managing Editor
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The Queen looked to be back to her normal self as she attended a Women's Institute meeting on Thursday. Her Majesty, 90, had suffered from a heavy cold over the Christmas period.

Carrying out her first official engagement of the year, the Queen appeared to be in extremely high spirits. She beamed from ear-to-ear as she arrived at the annual meeting in Sandringham, wearing a bright fuchsia coat.

She was welcomed by Vice President Yvonne Browne at West Newton village hall before sitting down for tea and cake with fellow members. The group were joined by guest speaker, BBC presenter and historian Lucy Worsley.

the queen2© Photo: PA

The Queen appeared to be in high spirits

The Queen has attended the WI group's meetings since 1943 and took over as President from the Queen Mother, who in turn took over from Queen Mary.

In the past, Vice President Yvonne, who has been a member for 25 years, has said the monarch "becomes one of us" at the gatherings and enjoys chatting over a cup of Yorkshire Blend tea.

The Queen's daughter Princess Anne and her daughters-in-law, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Countess of Wessex, are also members of the WI, the organisation which hopes to "gather women together, encourage them to acquire new skills and nurture unique talents".

the queen3© Photo: PA

She has attended the WI group's meetings since 1943

Thursday's outing marks the third time the Queen has been spotted in public this year. Last week she was pictured attending the Sunday church service at Flitcham Church in Norfolk and the week before that, she attended the service at Sandringham Church.

The monarch had not been seen for a month following her illness over Christmas when she and Prince Philip, 95, suffered from heavy colds. For the first time in 28 years Her Majesty was forced to miss the Christmas Day and New Year's Day church services at Sandringham due to her poor health.