Back to the Big Smoke! The Queen looks sharp in a dark grey outfit as she boards a train in King's Lynn after her festive Sandringham stay ends later than planned

After a particularly blustery night across the UK, the Queen ditched her favoured pastels in favour of a more serious, sharper look as she boarded a train in King's Lynn this morning.

Her Majesty, who has spent the winter period at Sandringham, boarded the 10:54am train to King's Cross from platform one wearing a business-style outfit that wouldn't be out of place in the City.

Sporting a dark grey below-the-knee coat with polka dot squares on it, a matching dress, silver patterned headscarf and smart black patent brogues, the Queen took the first class rail service from East Anglia to return to London following her extended festive stay in Norfolk.

After a lengthy festive break, the Queen looked ready for business wearing a sharp dark grey coat, matching dress, grey scarf and patent black loafers.  Her Majesty makes her way along Platform 1 at King's Lynn station this morning as she boards a 10:54am train back to London

Accompanied by officials and station staff, Her Majesty looked unusually sharp in her business attire - and also in good spirits - as she boarded the London-bound service

The Queen, who celebrates turning 90 this year, took the 10.54am Great Northern train service from King’s Lynn to London King’s Cros.

Entering the platform via a side gate that now bears her name following a refurbishment of the station in 2012, the Queen arrived five minutes ahead of departure to take her first class seat.

Station manager Graeme Pratt told the Eastern Daily Press: 'It’s an honour to have her use the train service. I asked her if she enjoyed her stay in Norfolk, to which she said she did.'

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have enjoyed a longer than usual stay at the Norfolk estate where Her Majesty usually spends the month of January - after they decided to stay on an extra few days. 

Blustery morning: Wearing a long coat with a patterned design, the Queen also added a splash of glamour with black patent loafers and a slick of pink lipstick

Sharing a joke: The Queen looked to be in good spirits as she was escorted down the platform 

This weekend, the royal couple appeared well-rested and relaxed for the Sunday service at Sandringham with Prince Philip wearing a mysterious bandage on his left palm as he arrived at St Peter and St Paul Church.

She told well-wishers that she was 'sorry to be leaving' as she greeted them outside the church service, which was held by Rector of Sandringham Canon Jonathan Riviere. 

The Duke, who turns 95 this year, did not appear to be too troubled by the unknown abrasion - which was covered with medical gauze and tape. 

The Queen, however was seen to be in a particularly good mood, this may have been down to the sunny weather which was sure to be a relief following the previous week's downpour.  

The Queen was joined by her husband the Duke of Edinburgh at the Sunday service in Sandringham this weekend 

The Duke seems to have sustained some kind of injury to his hand however Buckingham Palace were unable to comment on the nature of it

Traditionally, the monarch remains in Sandringham throughout the first month of a new year, returning to London for Accession Day on February 6, the anniversary of her taking over the throne on the death of her father. However, this appears not to have been the case this year. 

She is no doubt enjoying some down time ahead of a busy year, which sees her celebrate her 90th birthday on 21 April.

The landmark will be officially celebrated on June 12, with some 10,000 people expected to gather on the Mall for a street party of epic proportions, including representatives from the 628 charities and organisations she works with. 

However, such work is expected to be scaled back somewhat in the year ahead with some of her roles being re-assigned to younger royals.

The Duchess of Cambridge, 33, is expected to become patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, which hosts the Wimbledon championships, after Her Majesty enjoyed 64 years in the role.

Despite her husband's injury the monarch seemed to be in high spirits, this may be down to the good weather following last week's downpour

The Queen made a colourful entrance to the church in a bright red coat with matching hat. She was seen clutching several bouquets of flowers likely to have been a gift from well-wisher