Dressed in a deep mauve coat and matching hat with velvet trim, the Queen appeared serious as she travelled to church on a morning of difficult headlines for her son Prince Andrew, who lives at Royal Lodge with his ex-wife Sarah.

Wearing pearl earrings and with flowers adorning her hat, the Queen took time for contemplation at church ahead of her working week.

On Tuesday, she will attend a service of thanksgiving to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey.

On Thursday, she will be joined by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall for the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd in Cardiff.

The Queen is set for her busiest autumn since her Diamond Jubilee a decade ago, swapping screens for in-person engagements following Covid-19 restrictions.

Her Majesty, who spent the summer in Balmoral as is customary, last week launched the Commonwealth Games baton relay from the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, and met members of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery at Windsor Castle.

In November, she will travel to Glasgow for COP26 along with Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge .