Murder probe launched after body found on Queen's Sandringham estate

Police announced the grim twist to the investigation after human remains were found on New Year's Day.

Detective Chief Inspector Jes Fry said cops are examining cold cases nationwide for potential links.

Mr Fry said: "We are at the very early stages of the investigation and it could be a complex inquiry.

"The body had been there for some time.

"The circumstances suggest this is a murder case and we are looking at missing persons reports and cold cases both locally and nationwide."

The body was spotted by a member of the public out walking, just hours after the royals attended their traditional church service.

Police immediately sealed off an area of woodland.

The estate, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, covers a massive 20,500 acres.

The Queen, 85, was seen riding her horse there only yesterday. She was still in residence last night with Prince Philip, 90, who is recovering from his heart op.

The royals spent Christmas at Sandringham.

Police last night said: "Detectives from Norfolk Constabulary have launched an investigation following the discovery of human remains in an area of woodland at Anmer, near King's Lynn.

"The remains were found by a member of the public who reported the incident to police on Sunday January 1 shortly after 4pm.

"The area has been sealed off and a detailed search is currently being carried out."

Buckingham Palace said it had no comment to make as it was "a matter for Norfolk police".

Queen's Diamonds Jubilee exhibition

The display, the focal point of the palace's 2012 summer opening, will include many of the monarch's most cherished jewels, some of which are shown here.

Many of the pieces that will be on display at the Palace have undergone transformations through the ages - having been re-cut or used in new settings depending on the fashion or the preferences of the queens or princesses who used them.

Among them is an 1893 tiara given to Her Majesty as a wedding present by her gran Queen Mary.

The display will also chart the link between diamonds and monarchs over 200 years.

Historic pieces such as Queen Victoria's recognisable miniature personal crown which measures just 9cm by 10cm but contains nearly 1,200 diamonds will also be on view.

So the exhibition is bound to be a shining example of British history.

Queen's got a bling barge for Jubilee

An artist's impression released today reveals a stately craft covered in gold and royal livery.

Her Maj, 85, will take part in a spectacular River Thames pageant to mark 60 years on the throne when a 1,000-strong flotilla will recreate scenes on June 3 not seen on the Thames for centuries.

The 210ft design is based on the lavishly decorated royal barges of the 17th and 18th Centuries and will boast the Queen's cipher - EIIR ? on the bow.

The Queen will sit alongside Prince Philip on the top deck in ornate chairs under a gold canopy surrounded by other royals.

Flowers from the Queen's gardens will provide decoration on the cruiser Spirit of Chartwell which has been donated for the event by owner Philip Morrell, founder of the Magna Carta Steamship company.

Pageant master Adrian Evans said: "The royal barge must be a jewel - the most magnificent vessel in the flotilla."