Horsey Birthday to you, Ma’am
THE Queen was treated to Britain’s biggest ever birthday party last night as thousands helped to mark her 90th year with an extravaganza.
Britain’s best-loved celebrities including Take That singer Gary Barlow, Dame Helen Mirren, actor Damian Lewis, singer Katherine Jenkins and theatre favourite Imelda Staunton were among those who led the celebrations.
The Household Cavalry, made up of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, led the Queen and Prince Philip into the arena in the shadow of Windsor Castle.
Seated in a horse-drawn Scottish coach the Queen, wearing a turquoise floral outfit, was greeted by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall.
Princes William and Harry looked on along with Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, who was wearing red for the occasion.
More than 1,500 performers made an appearance during the two-hour spectacular hosted by I’m A Celebrity... hosts Ant and Dec. But the stars of the show were more than 900 horses – a tribute to the Queen’s lifelong love of all things equine.
Prince Charles wished his mother “the happiest of very special birthdays”.
The Prince, who is patron of the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration, wrote in the official programme: “It could not be more fitting that a quite different group which also enjoys the Queen’s unfailing interest and support – horses, of myriad breeds and colour – will join the 600, sailors, soldiers, airmen and women who make up this evening’s celebration.”
Excited
The celebration of Her Majesty’s life took viewers on a journey from her childhood through the Second World War and on to her Coronation and featuring key moments, including her wedding day during the live ITV programme.
Barlow kicked off the show as he sang Something About This Night from his upcoming West End show Finding Neverland as Union flag-emblazoned Jaguars filled the arena.
Singer James Blunt performed Bonfire Heart alongside his former regiment The Household Cavalry while mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins sung I Vow To Thee My Country.
Katherine, 35, said: “I couldn’t be more excited or more honoured.
“Reaching 90 in anyone’s life is a huge reason to celebrate but 90 years of our monarch is absolutely remarkable.”
Among a wealth of performances, last night’s spectacular also featured military pomp from across the Commonwealth.
The show featured the Oman Royal Cavalry, Chilean Huasos, The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Azerbaijani horses and riders, State Carriages from The Royal Mews, The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Fijian Army Dancers and Band, 100 Military and Commonwealth Pipers and The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Dame Shirley Bassey ended the night with a stunning performance of Diamonds Are Forever.