The Royal Family traditionally steps out for church on Christmas morning in Sandringham, where huge crowds gather. But they were unable to this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the Queen still attended a private service in a chapel at her Berkshire residence.
A royal source told the Mail on Sunday: “Christmas Day is obviously one of the most important days in the Christian calendar so everything was done to create a Covid-19 secure service for her.”
The Queen, 94, is staying at Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, 99.
The monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh spent Christmas Day together quietly.
Other members of the Royal Family were based at residences across the country.
Prince Charles and Camilla celebrated at Highgrove in Gloucestershire, while Prince William, Kate and their three children were at Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
In the Queen’s Christmas Day address, she delivered a personal message of hope to the nation.
READ MORE: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry want Megxit review extension
The Queen also sympathised with those unable to see family and friends who just wanted a “simple hug or a squeeze of the hand” as a festive present.
She told the nation “but we need life to go on”, after describing how major religious festivals for many faiths had been disrupted this year.
There was a strong religious theme to the address reflecting her Christian faith
The Queen said the biblical story of the Good Samaritan had relevance today.
She said: “Good Samaritans have emerged across society showing care and respect for all, regardless of gender, race or background, reminding us that each one of us is special and equal in the eyes of God.”
The Queen delivered the message from the Green Drawing Room of her Berkshire residence.
She sat at a desk with a framed photo of her husband Philip, who she has spent the lockdown with.
