Well-wishes for the Queen as she marks 96 privately
The Queen was praised as an “inspiration” to so many in the Ukandcommonwealthbythe royal family as she celebrated her 96th birthday at her Sandringham estate.
The head of state received well-wishes from the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as she marked her birthday privately.
Gun salutes rang out across the Edinburgh and London in honour of the Queen’s anniversary and Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to the monarch for her “dedicated and faultless service” over 70 years.
The Queen, who has faced mobility issues in recent months, was photographed being driven on her Sandringham Estate where she has gone to celebrate the milestone.
In a birthday tribute, William and Kate’s official account tweeted a picture of the couple with the Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show a few years ago and another image of the monarch and the Duke of Edinburgh surrounded by their great-grandchildren, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
The message read: “Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 96th birthday today!
“An inspiration to so many across the UK, the Commonwealth and the world, it’s particularly special to be celebrating in this #Platinumjubilee year.”
In his tribute, Mr Johnson said in a pre-recorded video posted on Twitter: “I’m delighted to wish Your Majesty a very happy birthday and to pay my heartfelt tribute to your 70 years of dedicated and faultless service to our country and the Commonwealth.
“Millions of people cherish a particular moment of your reign, and for me, it has to be the opening ceremony of the London Olympics in 2012, when Your Majesty arrived, at least figuratively, by jumping from a helicopter escorted by James Bond.
“And then the trumpets sounded, and Your Majesty made your entrance and the entire stadium rose as one and burst into applause.
“Thousands of people from almost every country in the world, with a billion more watching at home.
“And that fantastic moment showed yet again Your Majesty’s unique ability to bring people together in joyful harmony.”
In other developments, the comments of her grandson the Duke of Sussex about ensuring she is “protected” have continued to spark strong reaction from commentators.
Speaking to NBC’S Today show about his meeting with
the Queen last week, Harry said: “She’s always got a great sense of humour with me and I’m just making sure that she’s protected and got the right people around her.”
William and Kate were questioned
about the duke’s controversial comment when they left the London headquarters of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) following a visit to learn about their work in Ukraine. As the couple stepped into their car a broadcaster shouted: “Sir, does the Queen need protecting?” but the duke and duchess did not respond.