Today is Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday:  89 years young, and still going strong.  Were there big birthday celebrations?  No, because Elizabeth very sensibly prefers to celebrate in June, when the weather is usually better.

Her official birthday involves any number of soldiers, dignitaries, retainers and nobles on parade, so it’s not just her own personal comfort that concerns the Queen.  The models above are on display at Blenheim Palace.  They depict a royal Jubilee procession.

When in England, I consider myself an honorary Brit.  So I didn’t mind when the carillon bells in the church tower next to the place where I’m staying rang out for about 5 minutes on the hour and half-hour all day long. And I’m waiting breathlessly for word of a new royal grandbaby any day now.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/11549870/Happy-89th-Birthday-Queen-Elizabeth-II-her-life-in-pictures.html