LONDON (AFP) — Gun salutes will be fired on Thursday to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 96th birthday, but the monarch is expected to be inconspicuous about the occasion.
The United Kingdom’s royal family has had a rough year, with concerns about the queen’s health and uncertainty over the monarchy’s future.
Rounds will be fired from the Tower of London and Hyde Park in London, where a military band will also play “Happy Birthday.”
Since the 18th century, the monarch has also had a second, ceremonial birthday, which is traditionally celebrated in June during nicer weather.