Beefeaters at the Tower of London led the celebrations at thousands of sites across the UK lighting a beacon to say “Happy birthday, Your Majesty” for the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The Chief Yeoman Warder of The Tower set a torch to the beacon at 8.30pm soon after it got dark last Thursday.
He arrived at the royal castle’s Middle Drawbridge leading his troop of 36 Beefeaters in semi state dress to the majestic White Tower that once dominated the City skyline.
The giant beacon could be seen right along the Thames and by spectators lining Tower Bridge and the Southbank opposite, by City Hall.
The Queen is by far the oldest monarch in English and British history, outliving Victoria who was 82 when she died in 1901, who reigned for 64 years, and Elizabeth I who was nearly 70 when she died in 1603 after 45 years on the English throne.
Elizabeth II has even beaten Victoria’s previously-longest reign, now still shining a light on the nation after 64 years and two months—like the beacon at The Tower illuminating her birthday greetings.
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