Thousands join in celebrations for Queen's 90th birthday

The Queen joins members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their children Princess Charlotte and Prince George, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Picture: Steve Parsons/PA Wire

Yesterday’s spectacle in Whitehall honoured the Queen’s enduring ties with her Armed Forces and officially marked her milestone anniversary.

Over the weekend, the nation is celebrating the long life that has seen her become the longest-reigning and oldest monarch in British history. Cheers greeted the Queen – garbed in dazzling green – and Duke of Edinburgh’s arrival on Horse Guards Parade. The couple arrived in Queen Victoria’s 1842 ivory-mounted phaeton, guarded by mounted troops from the Life Guards and Blues and Royals.

The procession included the royal colonels on horseback – the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards; Princess Royal, Colonel of the Blues and Royals; and the Duke of Cambridge, Colonel of the Irish Guards.

On the parade ground in their scarlet tunics and bearskins were the Coldstream, Grenadier and Scots Guards, while the Irish Guards lined the Queen’s processional route from Buckingham Palace.

Watching from the Duke of Wellington’s old office overlooking Horse Guards Parade were members of the Royal Family including the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge, who had arrived together in a carriage.

Kate looked chic in an Alexander McQueen coat and hat by Philip Treacy while Harry was dressed in his military uniform.

They were joined by the Duke of York and his daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Prime Minister David Cameron and wife Samantha had made the short trip 
from neighbouring 10 Downing Street to join the spectators.

Trooping the Colour is an important social occasion for the family and friends of soldiers taking part, who gathered to enjoy the spectacle.

Some spectators in the stands lining the parade ground were dressed in morning suits or smart suits, while many women wore summer dresses with wide-brimmed hats.