The Duke of Edinburgh is celebrating turning 95-years old today, but in stark contrast to his wife, he is having a very low key birthday celebration.
Prince Philip is believed to have asked for a low-key birthday in order not to distract people away from the weekend-long celebration for his wife.
The 95-year-old always celebrates his birthday privately, so today is no different. Back in 2011 when he celebrated his 90th birthday, he hosted a reception for Action on Hearing Loss at Buckingham Palace – but couldn’t stop the impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday” performed by the guests.
There will be, however, a 41 gun royal salute in London’s Hyde Park at lunchtime to commemorate Philip’s birthday.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will also ride their horses and gun carriages across the park just before the salute.
In contrast to the Duke’s quiet birthday, the Queen’s official birthday will be celebrated tomorrow, the day after Philip’s.
Saturday 11 June will see the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony take place on Horse Guards Parade in London. Otherwise know as The Queen’s Birthday Parade, it is an opportunity for The Queen to review soldiers in the Household Division and Her Majesty and other members of the Royal family will travel to and from Buckingham Palace in carriages. The family will then appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace at 1pm to watch a fly-past.
On Sunday will be the hugely anticipated Patrons Lunch which will take place along the Mall and will recognize and celebrate the over 600 organisations in the United Kingdom and around the Commonwealth that the Queen acts as patron of.
Make sure you keep checking back with Royal Central over the next few days as we bring you a weekend of celebration.
