As Her Majesty The Queen celebrated her 96th birthday, there was a special birthday treat as the band at Changing the Guard played “Happy Birthday” in her honour.
What some might have noticed is that the Changing of the Guard took place at Windsor rather than Buckingham Palace, and The Queen was not even at Windsor. Instead, she celebrated her special day at Sandringham. The changing takes place at Windsor Castle on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. within the castle grounds. Also known as “Guard Mounting,” the duty has been carried out since 1660. The Guards consist of five infantry regiments – the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards. Two regiments of Household Calvary are also involved, the Life Guards, and Blues and Royals.
During the 45-minute ceremony, the handover of duties takes place with the old Guard returning to Victoria Barracks in Windsor town. The ceremony takes place inside the Castle Precincts so people must purchase admission to the castle to watch the ceremony. When Her Majesty is in residence at Windsor, the parade takes place on the Castle Forecourt.
The performance wasn’t the only way the nation or Windsor celebrated her birthday. Children had a chance to light cannons outside Windsor Castle that set off ear-splitting bangs as part of the traditional 21-gun salute. The event, held in the Long Walk, was attended by thousands. Before cannons were lit, led by Windsor’s mayor and town crier, the crowds sang “Happy Birthday” to Her Majesty.
Paul Roach, a local government manager who oversees the towns of Windsor, Eton, and Ascot told The National: “This is a great event for Windsor town. We do this every year so it is an occasion and we’ve never ever had bad weather on Her Majesty’s birthday so we’re very fortunate on many accounts. Children absolutely love it. Some are a little apprehensive… but they love getting involved.
“It’s just a fun event and it’s a great way for us to start off the summer season.”
Her Majesty’s 96th birthday comes just weeks ahead of the beginning of the official Platinum Jubilee celebrations. There will be a dedicated bank holiday weekend of 2 June to 5 June to officially celebrate the Jubilee, as well as The Queen’s official birthday.
