Britain today kicked off three days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s official 90th birthday with a national thanksgiving service where tributes were paid for her “faithful devotion” to the country.
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Queen Elizabeth marked her 90th birthday on April 21.
On Saturday, Elizabeth will attend the traditional Trooping the Colour parade of soldiers in ceremonial uniforms in central London followed by a fly-past of Royal Air Force aircraft over Buckingham Palace. NBC’s Kelly Cobiella repots for TODAY.
Surrounded by some 45 members of her family the monarch smiled and waved from the balcony as she acknowledged the good wishes of the crowds which were larger than in previous years.
And in June 2014, the world watched with baited breath as a page boy collapsed as the Queen delivered her speech to Parliament.
The event also featured Britain’s Got Talent victor and Household Cavalry bandsman Richard Jones, whose skills as a magician saw him triumph in the popular show.
Speaking before the ceremony, MU Chief Executive, Beverley Jullien said, “The Queen’s patronage gives a sense of solidarity in faith, commitment to family, and consistent values of service to others which inspire Mothers’ Union members across the generations”.
The parade route goes from Buckingham Palace to the The Mall to Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall and back again.
The Duchess of Cambridge, on the other hand, opted for a more neutral color palate and wore a white coat dress, the same Alexander McQueen number she wore for Princess Charlotte’s christening. Her marriage with birthday boy Prince Phillip is the longest marriage of any British monarch: 68 years and counting. This year, the Queen selected the second Saturday of June, the 11th.
The origins of Trooping the Colour lie centuries in the past when the colours, or military flag, of a regiment would be carried or “trooped” down the ranks so the soldiers would recognise it. King George II started the tradition in 1748 with summer’s sunny skies in mind.
Dressed in a lime green coat and matching hat, the 90-year-old Queen took the salute at Horseguards Parade and inspected her guards as she does annually.
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The festivities continue Sunday with a massive street party in front of the palace.
