Queen Elizabeth begins her working year

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has begun her duties for 2011.

The monarch and her husband Prince Philip have completed their annual festive break at their Sandringham residence and started their year's work with a visit to the Palm Paper mill in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

The couple spent 40 minutes touring the site - which provides newsprint for all British national and many regional newspapers - where they examined the world's largest newsprint machine and the control room, as well as meeting many staff at the mill.

Dr Wolfgang Palm, chief executive of the Palm Group, said: "That is the most important day I have ever experienced. We are extremely honoured that her majesty and her husband visited our operation.

"She picked up the information I gave her and really asked questions. She wanted to know the process and to know what people are doing and how long they have been involved and if they like their job."

The royal couple delighted staff with their warmth and interest in the production process.

Stephen Gruber, managing director of production, accompanied the couple on their tour and was particularly impressed by Philip.

He said: "He asked where people had worked before and made some jokes. It was a very warm atmosphere. He got people involved and talking with him."

After they left the mill, the royals visited the Deaf Association, where they met young people who were playing computer games at a new service centre.