The Queen's recovery from a knee operation appears well on the way after she walked to church with little sign of pain.

Despite carrying a stick, she walked from her car to St Peter and St Paul Church at West Newton, Norfolk.

The Queen underwent surgery on her right knee at a London hospital three weeks ago. The appearance is only the third time she has been seen in public since the operation.

On the previous two occasions she had walked with the aid of a metal hospital-issue stick.

The Queen leaves hospital

After the service the Queen chatted to onlookers - although she did not answer questions from members of the public about the condition of her knee.

The Queen was accompanied at the service by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Royal couple are staying on the Queen's estate at nearby Sandringham.

The Queen hurt her right knee during a private visit to Newmarket racecourse in Suffolk before Christmas.

She had surgery to remove a piece of torn cartilage at the King Edward the Seventh Hospital in London.

After an overnight stay the Queen returned to Norfolk to recuperate.

As a result of the surgery the Queen cancelled a number of engagements.