Queen heads for the hills ahead of Platinum Jubilee celebrations

The Queen has travelled to Balmoral for a restorative break in the countryside ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The Queen made the journey to her Scottish estate on Thursday, where she will stay for a short holiday before returning to Windsor and London in time for her Jubilee.

Royal sources said she often makes a short trip at this time of year, staying for around a week.

It is also thought to be part of the Queen's carefully paced schedule in recent months, to allow her to fulfil her public engagements after a rest.

Next week, the Queen is intending to make several high-profile appearances at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, including at a service of thanksgiving for her reign at St Paul's Cathedral.

Admirers hope to see her on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at least once for Trooping the Colour on Thursday.

She is also expected at the Epsom Derby on Saturday, according to organisers who have put measures in place to allow her to navigate the route to her box in comfort.

While the Queen will not attend all events - delegating those such as the Saturday night pop concert and street parties to younger members of her family - she hopes to be seen by as many members of the public as possible in a show of gratitude for their support.

This week, she used a buggy to get around Chelsea Flower Show, raising hopes that she might choose to make use of it again during the Jubilee celebrations to travel in comfort.