Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration at Windsor Castle

HM the Queen and members of the British Royal family attended the Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations at Windsor Castle, on the last day of the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The celebration, which was hosted by celebrity entertainers Ant & Dec, is the latest in a series of celebrations for HM 90th Birthday, which will continue to next month. It features 900 horses, a number of celebrity entertainers, and even a surprise Royal performance. 

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The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh arrived at the celebrations in the Scottish State Coach, and were greeted by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall upon arrival. They joined the other members of the family and guests in the Royal Box.

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Most members of the royal family were present, along with foreign royal guests. To the Queen’s right was seated the King of Bahrain, who is a sponsor in the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seated with the Landgrave and Landgravine of Hesse, relatives of Prince Philip. Prince Ludwig of baden was seated behind the Queen and Duke.

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Ant and Dec were the hosts of the event, with tributes by singers Gary Barlow, Katherine Jenkins, Beverly Knight, Kylie Minogue, and James Blunt. Actress Imelda Staunton did a musical performance, while Dame Helen Mirren narrated a part of HM life. Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter also paid his tribute while announcing the Shetland Ponies.  Dame Shirley Bassey closed the celebrations with a special performance of her hit song ‘Diamonds Are Forever’

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The main feature of the event were the horses. The spectacular equestrian displays featured over 900 horses. There were representatives of most commonwealth countries including Canada and Fiji, and from non-commonwealth countries; Chile, Oman, and Azerbaijan.

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The Azerbaijan performers contrived an astonishing display with their tricks on horseback. The Royal Cavalry of Oman performed mindblowing tricks, while the highlight of the evening was said to be when a pony preformed tricks during Kylie Minogue’s performance. A Fijian sailing canoe was also part of the parade.

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Towards the end of the evening, riders including the Queen’s children, Princess Anne and The Earl of Wessex, and her granddaughters Olympian Zara Tindall and Lady Louise Windsor, rode into the arena as part of a parade of horses.

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For the finale, a giant cake was wheeled out into the arena by a group of children, and flares were lighted before all the performer gathered to sing ” Happy Birthday” to HM the Queen.

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HM wore a sea green dress and jacket by her personal dresser Angela Kelly. She paired it with her customary Three Strand Pearl Necklace and a Turquoise and Diamond Brooch.

 Photo:  Getty Images / Stephen Lock / Screenshot

The Duchess of Cornwall wore a cream dress and embroidered coat by Fiona Clare, with Pearl Choker with Pink Topaz Clasp. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a lace dress by Dolce and Gabbana, with a red coat by Zara. She also wore her diamond chandelier earrings on loan from the Queen. Princess Alexandra of Kent wore a navy lace dress with a jeweled choker.

Photos: Screenshot / ITV

Lady Sarah Chatto, the Queen’s niece, wore a white dress and black coat, with a pearl and diamond star brooch belonging to her mother, the late Princess Margaret. Princess Beatrice wore a blue dress with a black blazer. Princess Eugenie wore a stirpped dress with a navy cardigan.

Photos: ITV / Crown Copyright

The Royal men, including the Dukes of Edinburgh and Cambridge, and Prince Harry wore the red trimmed dinner jackets of the Windsor Uniform. The other men wore Black Tie.

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For more information, check out:

Daily Mail

From her Majesty’s Jewel Vault

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