Britain is holding several days of celebrations to mark the queen’s official 90th birthday, which began on Friday with a special service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
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It’s Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday – still.
To conclude celebrations, the queen hosts “The Patrons Lunch” for 10,000 guests at the largest street party ever to be held on the Mall, the grand avenue that leads to Buckingham Palace, an event organised by her grandson, Peter Phillips.
Thousands of revellers celebrating the Queen’s birthday on The Mall made use of their ponchos as storm clouds gatecrashed the royal celebration.
Born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York on April 21 1926 – the year of the General Strike – she was never expected to be Queen.
The 90-year-old monarch also thanked all charities she is Patron of.
The Queen will join 10,000 people for the Patron’s Lunch – recognising her patronage of more than 600 organisations in the United Kingdom and around the Commonwealth.
Her choice of colour for Saturday’s outfit triggered a social media storm, with Twitter users celebrating the monarch’s fashion sensibilities with “neon at 90”.
The best of the weather will be in the far north of the country, with sunshine predicted all day for street parties on Shetland.
British newspapers have been filled with paeans to the queen, and editorials urging the public to show its gratitude for her long reign.
Prince Harry accompanied the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duchess of Cornwall in another carriage, who both looked glamorous dressed all in white.
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Princess Charlotte was also the center of attention, making her official debut appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the family watched the Royal Air Force flypast over their heads.
