The Queen attends church service at Crathie Kirk

The spotlight has been well and truly on the royal family in recent weeks as the nation commemorated the 20th anniversary since Princess Diana’s death.

But it seems that the family are settling back into normality following the official anniversary on Thursday as they were seen making their way to church on Sunday.

The Queen, 91, was joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, 96, as they were driven to Crathie Kirk, the chapel within spitting distance of their summer home in Balmoral.

The Queen looked elegant in a monochrome ensemble as she and the Duke of Edinburgh arrived for the Sunday service at Crathie Kirk 

Her Majesty looked elegant in a monochrome ensemble pairing a cream jacket with black lace accents alongside a black lace hat.

Prince Phillip, who has been driving to Crathie Kirk in recent weeks, today took a passenger seat alongside his wife, the monarch.

Joining the royal couple was their son Prince Charles, 68, who was dressed smartly in a navy blazer tie as he took behind the wheel.

In another car Princess Anne, 67, looked upbeat as she and husband Timothy Lawrence made their way to the Sunday service.

Following suit was Prince Charles who has been in the spotlight in the weeks leading up to the anniversary of Princess Diana's death 

Following suit was Prince Charles who has been in the spotlight in the weeks leading up to the anniversary of Princess Diana’s death 

The Prince of Wales was dressed smartly as he drove the short distance between Balmoral and Crathie Kirk 

The Prince of Wales was dressed smartly as he drove the short distance between Balmoral and Crathie Kirk 

The picturesque Crathie Kirk, where the Queen is a regular while in residence at Balmoral is a mere stone’s throw from Balmoral Castle on Royal Deeside. 

Yesterday the royals seemed to be in a lighter mood following the weeks surrounding Diana’s death anniversary, as they attended the royal party at the Braemar Gathering.

The Queen was joined by Phillip, Charles and Anne at the Gathering – the biggest event in the Highland Games calendar in the village of Braemar, 58 miles west of Aberdeen.

Held at the village’s Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, the annual Games take place on the first Saturday of September.

In another car Princess Anne looked upbeat as she and husband Timothy Lawrence made their way to the Sunday service

In another car Princess Anne looked upbeat as she and husband Timothy Lawrence made their way to the Sunday service

They attract thousands of visitors from around the world who watch a variety of traditional events and competitions including piping, Highland dancing and tug-of-war contests.

The Gathering is held each year just a short distance from Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, where the royals spend their holidays. Traditionally, the royals attend a church service at nearby Crathie Kirk the day after the Games as they did so today. 

Her Majesty typically arrives in Scotland August after Balmoral castle is closed to visitors and full security checks are carried out on the grounds. 

The Queen famously enjoys a more low-key existence while staying at the Scottish retreat – with her former royal protection officer Richard Griffin recently revealing that she had a conversation with unsuspecting American tourists visiting the estate while dressed in tweeds and a scarf.

Balmoral, which was bought by Prince Albert for £32,000 in 1852, is said to be the Queen’s favourite home.

During her stay at the castle, she relaxes by going for walks on the Aberdeenshire estate, eating picnics and cooking barbecues.  

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk