Well-wishers sang “Happy Birthday” to a smiling Queen Elizabeth II as she turned 90 on Thursday, celebrating the milestone by lighting a beacon and greeting cheering crowds in the streets.
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Born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary of York on April 21 1926 – the year of the General Strike – she was never expected to be Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday with her great grandchildren by her side.
The beacon was the first of about 1,000 across Britain and worldwide to mark the occasion.
At midday, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery rode their horses and gun carriages past Buckingham Palace and onwards to Hyde Park to stage a 41 Gun Royal Salute. On September 9, 2015, she became Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, passing her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
Her Majesty’s 90th birthday is today – and people from all over the country are celebrating with her. “She shall be, to the happiness of England/ An aged princess”, read the text, which also described her as “a pattern to all princes living with her/ And all that shall succeed”.
The band of the Coldstream Guards played “Happy Birthday” and royal fans snapped cellphone photos as the queen, clad in pale green, greeted local dignitaries, townspeople and tourists.
It is not all Her Majesty has planned for her special day.
“I send my best wishes to those who are celebrating their 90th birthday… on this shared occasion, I send my warm congratulations to you”, said a post on the queen’s Twitter site.
“A long life is no reason for a long reign”, it said.
In 2007, a previous photo shoot involving Ms. Leibovitz and the queen became headline news, earning the nickname “Queengate” in the media.
British Queen Elizabeth II (2nd L) attends a celebration at the Royal Mail Delivery Office in Windsor, western London, Britain, on April 20, 2016. On Friday the Queen will host US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle for a private luncheon at Windsor Castle.
The queen was castigated in the press for not returning to London immediately after Diana’s death and for not flying the royal standard atop the palace at half-staff as a sign of respect.
However, according to the Monarchy’s website, this year she’ll by enjoying a stroll round Windsor with her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh.
An Ipsos MORI poll last week found 70 percent wanted her to stay queen compared to 21 percent who thought she should abdicate or retire.
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“Over the course of that incredible day, it was clear the huge affection Her Majesty had for Scotland and the incredible bond she has forged with the people who live here over her many years of dedicated public service”. Republic, a group that campaigns for the abolition of the monarchy, said the media’s coverage of the birthday was out of touch with public sentiment.
