The Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations

This photo is taken in St Paul’s Cathedral looking down on the congregation.  The 2 red chairs at central left are empty as they await for the Queen and Prince Philip.

This past weekend saw 3 days of festivities in London. On Friday June 10th, 2016 was the Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday and of her service to the UK and the Commonwealth. As well, it also happened to be Prince Philip’s 95th birthday that day. All the Royal family was in attendance as well as politicians past and present.  Other UK citizens who shared a 90th birthday were celebrated too such as the author who created Paddington Bear.  On Saturday, the Queen and other royal family members attended the annual Trooping of the Colour which is always on the second Saturday in June (the Queen’s honorary birthday).  This year, her nephew Peter Phillips, organized a street party on The Mall for 10,000 persons who are associated with the over 600 charities that have the Queen as a patron.  Unfortunately, it was a bit soggy for the first bit but the Brits took it in stride and wore rain ponchos.  Picnic hampers were provided by the British store Marks and Spencer. The Brits held their own street parties across the nation. Prince Charles and Camilla went to Gloucestershire to attend a street party there.

This photo shows the Queen and Prince Philip in the first car and Will, Kate and Harry in the second car, going by the 10,000 persons invited to the street party on The Mall.  They and other royal family members, later mingled with the crowds and even took part in photos and selfies.