Many people think that Queen Elizabeth celebrates her birthday during the summer when Trooping the Colour captivates the UK. The celebration of the sovereign's birthday doesn't observe her actual birthday, however.
Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926. This year, celebrations of both the Queen's official birthday and her actual one looked quite different. The traditional gun salute was canceled. Because of social distancing, she didn't see her family and friends. She's kept in touch with everyone through a blossoming knowledge of video chats, according to various sources.
As for Trooping the Colour, the event set to take place on June 13 has been canceled. "In line with Government advice, it has been agreed that The Queen’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead in its traditional form," Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
While the country marvels at the displacement of traditions dating back hundreds of years, the Queen continues to focus on leadership. She proves to be a pillar of strength and strategy throughout any hardship. She even took time from her birthday to give her condolences to the victims of the mass shooting in Nova Scotia.
Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 94th birthday on April 21. It marked her 68th birthday as monarch, but it was unlike any ever before. The Queen's private celebrations happened with greetings from her loved ones via video chat, as the royal family continues to stay at home and practice social distancing.
A traditional 21-gun salute usually celebrates Queen Elizabeth's actual birthday. However, that was also canceled upon her request. "Her Majesty was keen that no special measures were put in place to allow gun salutes as she did not feel it appropriate in the current circumstances," a spokesperson for Buckingham Palace noted.
The Queen was honored on her special day by many. The Royal Family social media accounts shared private footage of Elizabeth as a girl to mark the occasion.
"In this private footage from the @royalcollectiontrust, we see The Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) playing with her family, including her younger sister Princess Margaret," the caption read.
"Head of the Commonwealth, Head of the Armed Forces, Head of State in 16 countries and the longest reigning Monarch in British History. Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Happy birthday, Your Majesty!
"To those of you also celebrating your birthdays today at home, with or without your loved ones – we send you many happy returns."
Clarence House shared photos of Prince Charles and Queen Elizabeth throughout the years. There were a number of heartwarming moments between mother and son."Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy 94th Birthday ," the caption said.
William and Kate also had warm wishes for the Queen. The couple shared a photo of themselves with the Queen at last year's Chelsea Flower Show. "Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th birthday today! ," they captioned the photo.
Princess Eugenie even shared warm wishes on her own Instagram. "Wishing a very Happy 94th Birthday to Her Majesty," she wrote. "May today bring joy in a time when families can't be together celebrating with one another. All my love ."
The second celebration of the Queen's birthday, Trooping the Colour, will not be taking place this summer. The celebration of the sovereign's birthday, a tradition dating back more than 260 years, has been canceled.
"In line with Government advice, it has been agreed that The Queen’s Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead in its traditional form," Buckingham Palace announced in a statement. "A number of other options are being considered, in line with relevant guidance."
Queen Elizabeth took time out of her birthday to deliver her condolences to the families of victims of the Nova Scotia mass shooting.
"Prince Philip and I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Nova Scotia, and we send our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives," the statement reads.
"I also pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other police services who selflessly responded to these devastating attacks, and to the emergency services who are supporting those who have been injured and affected.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nova Scotia and all Canadians at this tragic time."
The Queen has faced many difficult decisions in recent weeks. She has made both personal and public sacrifices unflinchingly, playing the cards she's been dealt with the best of her ability. In doing so, she's been a tremendous comfort to the UK.
Her response to this crisis is really reflective of her ability to lead throughout her reign. She has faced tremendous hardships. She led through changes in the political climate, the actual climate, society, and so much more. Yet she never truly appears overwhelmed.
The Queen has always been able to roll with the punches. Even in her reign's darkest hours, she's found a way to rise to every occasion. Matters with her family aren't very different. There's been sadness, darkness, disappointment, and embarrassment. Yet she keeps on, steady as ever.
The Queen has always appealed to her public with the commonalities of the human experience. She reminds everyone that they are in the same boat and reminds them to act like it. Her approach to rule is part nurturing and part methodical, and it works. Everyone may not agree with her, but few will outright disrespect her.
The Queen is also a true model to a life of service. She's been monarch for 68 years. She attended 174 royal engagements last year alone, and this is believed to be her ramping down in preparation for retirement.
Queen Elizabeth has proven, on her birthday and every other day of her 68-year reign, that she is a leader. It's a role she's grown into, a role that she's shaped with her experience, and a role that will be nearly impossible for anyone else in history to fill. She deserves nothing but the utmost respect and reverence.
