Queen Elizabeth II was given a salute fit for a queen on the occasion of her 80th birthday on Friday. Thousands of her subjects joined her at Windsor Castle to sing 'Happy Birthday' and wish her well.
The Queen toured the crowd for approximately 45 minutes along with her husband, Prince Philip. Queen Elizabeth has now been on the throne for 54 years, just 10 years short of the reign of Queen Victoria.
Thus far, her majesty has received approximately 20,000 birthday cards from well wishers and 17,000 e-mails from people around the world.
Later Friday evening, Queen Elizabeth will attend a private dinner party at Windsor Castle to mark the occasion.
'I doubt whether any of us would say that the last 80 years has been plain sailing,' the queen said on the eve of her birthday. 'But we can give thanks for our health and happiness, the support we receive from our families and friends, some wonderful memories, and the excitement that each new day brings.'
Elizabeth II was proclaimed queen in February 1952 at the age of 25 after the death of her father, King George VI. She was formally crowned the following year.
She has said that she has no intentions of stepping down at the age of 80 despite that fact that Prince Charles is eagerly awaiting a chance to be king.
While many in Great Britain question the need for a monarchy, today, British subjects joined together to wish her majesty a happy 80th birthday.
