Queen Elizabeth II: 90th birthday celebration weekend begins

The pair attended a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday, where they were joined by other members of the royal family and politicians, past and present.

A Guardsman lies face down on the ground after fainting during the Trooping the Colour ceremony for the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Britain today kicked off three days of celebrations to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s official 90th birthday with a national thanksgiving service where tributes were paid for her “faithful devotion” to the country.

Saturday marked the Queen’s official birthday and this year was extra special as Her Majesty turned 90.

Members of the royal family line the balcony of Buckingham Palace as the Red Arrows perform a fly-past. The queen’s real birthday is in April.

Leading figures, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, joined the congregation at St Paul’s Cathedral.

“Your Majesty, today we rejoice for the way in which God’s loving care has fearfully and wonderfully sustained you, as well as Prince Philip marking his 95th birthday today”, Welby said in his sermon.

With her detailed knowledge of the ceremony the Queen cast an expert eye over the troops as she passed.

The crowds were treated to the sight of the royal couple in a vintage carriage, Queen Victoria’s 1842 ivory-mounted phaeton, and the imposing presence of The Sovereign’s Escort, mounted troops from the Life Guards and Blues and Royals. The palace has invited roughly 10,000 people who work at charities supported by the queen to the open air festivities.

The BBC’s editor of ceremonial events, Claire Popplewell – who directed William and Kate’s wedding for TV – is in charge of the TV coverage, and admits that Sunday’s picnic will be hard to pull off. More than 90 percent of those organizations will be represented at the event on the Mall, which will be mirrored by street parties and local fundraising events across the nation and the Commonwealth.

British newspapers have been filled with paeans to the queen, and editorials urging the public to show its gratitude for her long reign.

Princess Anne’s daughter Zara also attended with husband Mike Tindall.

Philip, who has heart disease, missed an engagement recently due to health issues but is expected to participate throughout the weekend.