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Elizabeth, the world's longest-reigning living monarch, and
Philip had been due to catch a train from London to their
Sandringham country residence in Norfolk, eastern England, where
they traditionally spend Christmas.
"The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have heavy colds, and so
have decided not to travel to Sandringham today," the royal
office said in a short statement.
The couple, who have been married for 69 years, were well enough
on Tuesday to host members of the royal family for a lunch at
Buckingham Palace in London attended by heir to the throne,
Charles, his son Prince William, and grandson Prince George,
third in line to succeed the Queen.
After six decades on the throne, the Queen has cut back on
international tours but still regularly performs official duties
around Britain, although she said on Tuesday she would reduce
the number of her patronages.
Although Elizabeth's father, George VI, died at the relatively
young age of 56, her mother, who was known as Queen Elizabeth
the Queen Mother, lived until 101 and was still appearing in
public almost up until her death in 2002.
Both the Queen and Prince Philip's good health has allowed them
to remain very much in the public eye, despite their age.
The Times reported on Wednesday that Philip carried out more
public engagements last year than did his grandsons Princes
William and Harry, and William's wife Kate combined.
(Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by Stephen Addison)
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