“And I think everybody should respect her for all the years that she’s given for her country”, said Donna Werner, an American tourist from New Fairfield, Connecticut.
Advertisement
Earlier today, the sound of gunfire rang out across the capital to mark the monarch’s landmark birthday.
David Cameron will lead the nation in honouring the monarch’s life when MPs debate a “humble address” to mark the Queen’s birthday, proposed by the Prime Minister.
Britain’s Prince Charles kisses the hand of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, as they take part in the Queen’s 90th Birthday celebrations, in Windsor, April 21, 2016.
Queen Elizabeth II is pictured with her daughter, The Princess Royal, in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle on April 20, 2016. Folks put up special decorations in the streets and local shops sold special plates to commemorate the day.
They dressed up in their own royal attire, transforming themselves into kings, queens, and even an Egyptian pharoah for the day.
“She’s phenomenal, she ageless and timeless”, said Lynn Lovell, 63, a retired teacher.
Queen Elizabeth II is surrounded by young grandchildren and great-grandchildren in 90th birthday portraits by photographer Annie Leibovitz.
Her destiny was changed with the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, for the woman he loved – American divorcee Wallis Simpson.
Royal watchers say despite her advancing years, Elizabeth II is showing no signs of slowing down.
Her Majesty was presented with countless bouquets of flowers, while crowds waved their Union Jack flags and continued to sing happy birthday.
Despite her many public appearances, the queen has never given a press interview throughout her 64-year reign. Actor Roger Moore, best known as one of the James Bonds, told the BBC the queen was “calm” and “beautiful” and admitted he was a tad jealous when it was Daniel Craig, another James Bond, who got to make an Olympics skit with her.
In the evening, she will light a beacon, the first in a chain of 1,000 which will be illuminated around the country and the world, and host a family dinner.
“Should we be fortunate enough to reach 90, may we be as vibrant as she is”, Obama said. “And it’s been a real guiding example of just what a good monarch could be”.
Advertisement
There was a slow start to the ceremony, but eventually the beacon outside Windsor Castle was engulfed in flames. As her majesty holds Princess Charlotte on her lap, 2-year-old Tindall is seen clutching the Queen’s handbag, winning the hearts of many social media users.
