Queen turns 96

LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II turned 96 yesterday receiving a rousing “Happy Birthday” from a military band and ceremonial gun salutes, after a troubled year hit by health concerns. But the queen, the oldest and longest-serving head of state in the world, marked the occasion with little fanfare, retreating to her Sandringham country estate.

Her grandson Prince William and his wife Kate called her “an inspiration to so many”. This year’s birthday coincides with four days of public events from June 2 to 5 to mark her 70th year on the throne. US toy manufacturer Mattel released a Barbie doll of the queen. | AFP