“At 90, the Queen is the leader of our country, who we all look up to in good times and in challenging moments to set an example, and to guide the way ahead”.
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The crowd cheered as the queen emerged on the balcony, scene of many national celebrations in the past.
“How I will feel if people are still singing Happy Birthday to me in December remains to be seen”.
While other royals appeared in more neutral palettes, the monarch took centre stage in a vibrant green coat and dress by Stewart Parvin and matching hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan, decorated with cerise coloured flowers, at the Trooping the Colour celebrations.
The 97-year-old joked about the Queen’s birthday: “I remember her being born, it was common knowledge where I grew up in Kent”.
Before she made an appearance the Queen was spotted peeking through a Buckingham Palace window as the persistent rain fell.
More than 50 service users, staff and volunteers enjoyed the festivities each day, and dressed in red, white and blue.
The Met Office has forecast rain for central London on Sunday morning before scattered heavy and thundery showers move through the area in the afternoon.
The event inspired communities across the United Kingdom and Commonwealth to follow suit by honouring and thanking Her Majesty for her commitment to her people by holding their own street parties and helping raise money for local community initiatives and the newly created charitable fund – The Patron’s Fund. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall attended one such street party in Brimpsfield, Gloucestershire. “She said ‘No, it isn’t George”.
On Friday there was a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral and on Saturday she was joined by her family for the annual Trooping the Colour military pageant.
Guests were provided with hampers with picnic food including sandwiches, salmon mousse, a pork pie with a crown on top and dessert, along with the traditional British summer drink, Pimms.
Later, the royal family spent 30 minutes greeting members of the public.
Spotted among the guests were a few famous faces including Only Fools And Horses Actor David Jason and Prince Albert of Monaco who chatted to the Duke of York.
Organised by The Queen’s eldest grandson, Peter Phillips.
She said: “I think this is wonderful, I would have walked through fire (to be here)”.
There has been some criticism of The Patron’s Lunch after it was revealed that tickets cost £150, but organisers insisted the price was fair because it was not a state-funded event.
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She added: “We can’t be bothering about the weather otherwise we wouldn’t go anywhere in England”.
