Today marked The Queen’s official 90th birthday celebrations with the tradition Trooping the Colour ceremony at Horse Guards Parade.
Thousands of spectators – including our editor, Victoria Howard – were there to wish The Queen well, appearing to be a record turnout.
Her Majesty and Prince Philip return from Horse Guards Parade. (Victoria Howard)
Her Majesty wore a vivid green dress for the occasion, accentuated with bright pink, the crowds cheering as she left Buckingham Palace. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s open-top carriage was accompanied by the Lifeguards.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE FOR QUEEN – ON PHILIP’S 95TH BIRTHDAY. EXTENDED ROYAL FAMILY CELEBRATE
Royals, including Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, had already travelled down the Mall to Horse Guards ahead of Her Majesty, to take their position, before the event began at 11am.
The Duke of York and his daughters, Princess Beatrice and Eugenie, travelled together, while the Wessexes – Edward, Sophie, Louise and James – went down as a family.
Lady Louise and James Viscount Severn travelled with their parents, Prince Edward and Sophie. (Victoria Howard)
The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Princess Royal rode on horseback to take part in the parade as colonels of the Welsh Guards, Irish Guards and Blues and Royals respectively, just ahead of The Queen.
PATRON’S LUNCH – MALL STREET PARTY TO BE HELD FOR QUEEN’S 90TH
The Queen alongside Prince Philip felt the warmth of the crowds, as Union flags, as well as a Scottish Saltire and a Welsh flag, were flown. People lined the streets of London cheering for the impressive display of pomp and pageantry that took place.
The impressive Royal festivity put 1,600 soldiers, 400 musicians, and 300 horses on the streets and at Horse Guards where the Coldstream Guards – 7th Company – trooped their colour to Her Majesty, she taking the salute on the dais. taking part of this stunning annual event.
A gun salute was then held in Green Park to mark Elizabeth II’s birthday – 62 rounds in total.
The Queen and extended members of the Royal Family – including Prince George and Princess Charlotte – then went onto the Palace balcony for a RAF fly-past, with a rendition of the National Anthem and half of ‘Happy Birthday’ before the Royals went back inside.
The procession started with the mighty presence of chinook helicopters, a hurricane and spitfires, finishing with the precision of the RAF Aerobatic Team, known as the Red Arrows; they drew red, white and blue smokey lines in the sky and were the highlight of the flypast.
The Queen is joined by her family on the Palace balcony, including Princess Charlotte and Prince George. (Victoria Howard)
Prince George caused a little distraction, while Princess Charlotte appeared to be upset by something at one point during the balcony appearance (Victoria Howard)
Dating back to the 17th century, Trooping the Colour is perhaps the most famous part of Her Majesty’s birthday bash. Since 1987, The Queen has attended in a carriage rather than riding horseback.
In the afternoon, the Royal barge Gloriana – last seen at the Diamond Jubilee celebrations – led a flotilla of boats down the Thames.
This evening, in honour of the Royal birthday, pubs will be extending their opening by two hours.
Yesterday, the extended Royal Family joined Her Majesty and Prince Philip – who was celebrating his 95th birthday – at St Paul’s for a Service of Thanksgiving.
