Altho Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her actual birthday back in April, the British monarch celebrated her 85th birthday today on her “official” birthday. In celebration, all of England reveled with the Queen for the annual Trooping the Colours national holiday. As you may recall, we saw photos last weekend of Prince William rehearsing for the big day today. Click below to see some photos of the Queen’s big day and read some deets from the celebration.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge returned Saturday to the balcony at Buckingham Palace where just six weeks ago she and her new husband, Prince William, thrilled crowds (and millions of royal watchers around the world) by kissing twice on their wedding day. While eyes may have been on the newlyweds, Saturday’s appearance was all about William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was honored with the “Trooping the Colour” ceremony, a celebration of the monarch’s official birthday. The event marked the 85th birthday of the Queen, who has reigned since 1952. Her first ceremonial event as the Duchess of Cambridge began when Catherine, wearing a double-breasted cream jacket and a black hat, made her way from Buckingham Palace to the Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall in a horse-drawn carriage, waving and smiling to the crowds on London’s Mall, much like she did on her wedding day. Except this time William was not by her side. He was participating as an honorary colonel on horseback. Sitting next to Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, Catherine chatted and giggled on the short journey with Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, riding with them. As the mounted band played the national anthem and to cheers from the thousands that had gathered, the Queen appeared in a carriage alongside Prince Philip, while William rode the Household Division charger Wellesley behind them. It is the first time that William has taken part in the historical procession. Dressed in the red uniform of the Irish Guards, the same one he wore on his wedding day, he also wore the famous bearskin hat, making him almost unrecognizable. During the Horse Guards Parade, Catherine watched the Queen take the salute and review her immaculate troops as the Colour – a regimental flag – was paraded in the ceremony, which dates back to the 18th century.
Man … it’s been a great year for the British Royal Family, hasn’t it? It seems like every other weekend there is a huge royal event to celebrate. I realize they do the Trooping of the Colours every year but in the wake of Prince William and Kate‘s recent wedding, it seems like the British Royal Family is really running things. Who runs the world? Brits! But in all seriousness, let’s send our warmest Birthday Lurve to Queen Elizabeth (again) on her 85th birthday! The Queen still looks lively, spry and regal. Here’s to many more birthdays for Queen Liz :D
I want that coat Kate is wearing!!
I would like to have most of her coats and dresses. :)
I’ve always loved the royal gallantry in england…..Don’t know why…but its nice to see them finally looking so fresh and alive and happy!!!
I have my own mental list of ladies one would not want to piss off. The Queen is on there, along with Oprah, Diana Ross, Hilary Clinton, my mother and a few other women ; )
Add my mother to that list, I love my momma and she is an awesome woman but you do not piss with her :)