This comes after chief medical adviser Professor Chris Whitty last week warned against physical contact with elderly relatives over Christmas.

Royal sources said the 94-year-old Queen made the decision to “lead by example” and ditch the family meet-up, after consulting palace doctors and the rest of the family, including Philip 99.

But the couple are expected to see other members of the family, which is likely to be outside in a socially distanced manner due to restrictions.

Guidelines state a maximum of three households can create support bubbles from December 23 to 27 as the tier system rules are relaxed temporarily.

It will be the first time since 1988 the royals will not be on the Norfolk estate at Sandringham, where the Queen stays until February 6 as she likes to mark the anniversary of her father’s death there.