Happy birthday, Queen Elizabeth II! The royal is celebrating her 96th birthday today, further cementing her record as the oldest-ever English monarch and the longest-reigning monarch in the world.
It’s a milestone that comes after a year of of heartbreak and hardships for the Queen, from losing her longtime husband Prince Philip last April to her recent health scares.
So for her birthday this year, the Queen is looking forward to a private, low-key birthday… in a place that where she can be close to her late husband.
‘Close as possible to her late husband’
Queen Elizabeth has traveled to Wood Farm, on the royal family’s Sandringham estate, where she will spend her birthday.
The five-bedroom house has long been the country estate of the Queen and Prince Philip. Philip was particularly fond of the property, and moved there in 2017 after retiring from public life. Elizabeth continued official duties while residing at Buckingham Palace but visited him at the home. During COVID-19, the two resided in Windsor Castle together.
It seems that the Queen’s birthday wish is just to be closer to her longtime husband, who passed away a year ago this month at age 99.
“The Queen decided very recently that on her birthday she wanted to be as close as possible to her late husband and in an environment that was very close to both of their hearts,” a royal source told The Mirror. “Sandringham holds so many special memories for the Queen and Prince Philip as well as the rest of the royal family.”
“It’s certainly a positive step that Her Majesty is feeling well enough and rested to enjoy her upcoming mini-break which she thoroughly deserves to celebrate her birthday.”
A private, low-key birthday
In addition to holding a special place in her heart due to its connection to Philip, the country home is also the perfect place to have a low-key birthday week out of the spotlight.
“She doesn’t have to be monarch there,” a former staffer told People. “She can be Elizabeth rather than the Queen.”
According to The Guardian, the Queen doesn’t have any official engagements planned for this week, nor will there be any public celebration at Buckingham Palace, although tributes from family members and organizations are expected.
Instead, Queen Elizabeth will reside at the country home for a few days, and likely will be visited by family and friends.
Health concerns
While the Queen has no plans to give up the throne any time soon, she has faced some health scares in recent months that has kept her away from public appearances.
In October, Elizabeth spent the night in a hospital for “preliminary investigations.” While the Queen was discharged the next day and was in “good spirits,” it marked her first overnight hospital stay in eight years, according to the Washington Post, raising questions about her health.
And in February, the Queen contracted COVID-19. Her symptoms were mild, but left her “very tired and exhausted,” she said, per BBC.
She also has had “mobility issues” that have affected her public appearances. While she did attend a service of thanksgiving for Prince Philip last month, she recently missed the annual Maundy Thursday service at St. George’s Chapel and the Easter Sunday services.
But at 96, it’s understandable that the Queen can’t get around as much as she used to. And despite a public concern for her health, her family and staff have issued assurances that she is in good spirits.
Speaking to Today‘s Hoda Kotb, Prince Harry said he recently visited his grandmother, who he said was “on great form” and has “always got a great sense of humor.”
Plans for a birthday celebration — in June
Given the public’s love for Queen Elizabeth, you might expect there to be more official celebrations for her 96th birthday.
But there will be — in June, which is her “official” birthday. Royal custom and tradition is that the monarch’s birthday will always be celebrated in June, regardless of when they were actually born.
“It was always considered that you couldn’t do a lot of processional celebrations if the weather was bad,” NBC royal commentator Daisy McAndrew told Today.
So while the Queen is having a low-key birthday now, the pomp and circumstance will happen on June 2, marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony and a birthday parade that will include 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians, marching from Buckingham Palace to Horse Guard’s Parade.
The event is part of a larger celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking her historic 70th year on the throne.
Happy birthday, Queen Elizabeth! Wishing you the all best and many great years to come.
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