Happy Birthday, Ma’am

Queen turns 95 on 21 April

She’s the country’s longestserving monarch, and next Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth II turns an incredible 95. The Queen will enjoy a private celebration with her family on 21 April, the day of her actual birth, before a round of events in June to mark her official birthday.

The traditional Trooping the Colour parade in London and the annual Garter service, which normally takes place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, have been cancelled due to the pandemic, although alternative plans to mark the occasion are in the works. There’s likely to be a scaled-down event at Windsor Castle, where she and husband Prince Philip have been spending lockdown and where last year’s parade took place.

Crowned in 1953 at the age of 27, the Queen has been on the throne for nearly 70 years. As part of her role, she presides over the Commonwealth and is head of the Church of England, but she is also the beloved matriarch of the royal family. Affectionately known as Granny or Gan Gan to her great-grandchildren, she clearly inspires her clan. “All the time, William and I are so struck by the Queen’s sense of duty and commitment,” her granddaughter-in-law Kate Middleton has said, and other family members have talked about her kindness and great sense of humour. We hope she has a wonderful day!