The Queen joined the women's institute in 1943

The Monarch takes over the role from the late Queen Mother and continues a tradition of royal patronage of the branch dating back to 1919.

The Queen will preside over her first meeting of the 25-strong group next January.

In the past, the royal residence at Sandringham has been used for WI meetings.

The Sandringham Branch was founded by Queen Mary in 1919.

The Queen has been a WI member since 1943 and addressed the organisation's annual general meeting at the Royal Albert Hall in 1990.