'THE QUEEN WANTS HER FAMILY TO COME TOGETHER'

AS SHE TURNS 96, QUEEN ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY WISH IS THAT ALL THE ROYALS JOIN HER FOR THE PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS

- ELLIE KIRWIN-JONES

ROYAL REUNION

After several bouts of ill health recently, the Queen was back on her feet in a portrait released last week to mark her 96th birthday on 21 April. She's shown between a pair of grey horses - two of her prized fell ponies - and smiling as she holds their reins.

The Queen, who has been forced to cancel official engagements because of mobility issues, and has been seen using a walking stick, was pictured wearing a long green coat and appeared to be in high spirits.

The Princess Elizabeth at the age of two

For her birthday, she travelled by helicopter from Windsor to Wood Farm, Sandringham, where her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, spent much of his time after retiring from official duties in 2017.

The Queen was expected to remain at the Norfolk estate for several days. And as OK! went to press, it is understood she was planning a low-key gathering for some of the royal family - complete with tea and cake.

The Queen heads out from Wood Farm for a birthday drive

Earlier, the Queen released a touching picture of herself and Prince Philip admiring a horse at Balmoral in 1972.