Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Celebration Is Canceled
For the first time in her reign as a royal, Queen Elizabeth's birthday will not be publicly commemorated this year.
Amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Queen — who turns 94 years old on Tuesday (April 21) — has requested that there be no ceremonial gun salutes in honor of her special day. Typically, army cannons are fired in Royal Parks in London and across the UK to mark the occasion.
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According to People, the Queen was "keen that no special measures were put in place for gun salutes as she didn’t think it is appropriate in the current lockdown circumstances when people are being requested not to gather and to stay at home."
Given the current conditions, the Queen will observe her birthday privately with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, where they have been self-isolating together since the lockdown first began. The arrangements are said to be in line with “Her Majesty’s wishes."
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Meanwhile, her official birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, which is held in June, has also been canceled and there are no plans for an alternative celebration.
The news is especially disappointing, as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were expected to attend the parade despite stepping back as senior royals and moving to Los Angeles with Archie.