Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 95th birthday back in April.
But, traditionally, public celebrations do not take place until the second Saturday in June. The Queen's official birthday parade ran this weekend in a smaller-scale event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Queen Elizabeth enjoys parade for Trooping the Colour 2021
For the second year in a row, the Queen's birthday parade ran differently because of health restrictions. The monarch had to do without carriage rides, there was no balcony appearance for the Royal Family, and the event was held in a different location.
Rather than gathering in the heart of the English capital, the guards of the Household Cavalry assembled in the courtyard of Windsor Castle. There, the 95-year-old Queen watched on from a shielded podium. Like the sunny weather, the Queen's mood was radiant.
Queen Elizabeth carries on after Prince Philip
The Queen has not had an easy year. Just two months ago, she lost her longtime husband Prince Philip at the age of 99. He was laid to rest after a moving funeral in April.
Her cousin Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, accompanied her at Trooping the Colour on Saturday. The Queen wore muted-purple with a matching hat and a brooch from The Queen Mother, who died in 2002.
Nearly 275 soldiers and 70 horses took part in the Trooping the Colour 2021. They marched through the courtyard of Windsor Castle at a safe distance.
It was also a busy weekend for the Queen. She hosted a reception for G7 leaders on Friday before attending Trooping the Colour on Saturday and finally hosting the Bidens at Windsor Castle on Sunday.
Lightening the mood
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