Britain celebrated the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday with tributes to a popular monarch who has steered it through the decline of empire and a wave of scandals to the Internet age.
The sovereign, on the throne since 1953, emerged from Windsor Castle dressed in a lime green outfit and matching hat to accept presents and flowers from hundreds of well-wishers.
Prime Minister David Cameron praised her achievements in a special "humble address" to parliament while her son and heir Prince Charles read from William Shakespeare in a special broadcast on BBC radio.
Later, the monarch, who last year overtook her great-great grandmother queen Victoria to become Britain's longest-serving monarch, will host a family dinner to celebrate.
She will also light a beacon, the first in a chain of a thousand around the country and the world, symbolising the length of her life and her reign.
In a speech to the House of Commons, Cameron said she had been "steadfast, a rock of strength" adding that Britain was "uniquely blessed" to have her.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, a rare republican in public life, added that, whatever "different views" people have about the monarchy, most believe the queen "has overwhelming support".
While still active, the queen has scaled back her duties in recent years as Charles and grandson Prince William plus wife Kate take a more prominent role.
The royals remain popular but some question what will happen when the queen -- who is in good health, enjoying regular rides on her favourite pony and walking her corgis -- reaches the end of her life.
Gun salutes and birthday cake
In an editorial, The Times newspaper praised her as "a symbol of continuity and the best embodiment we have of a complex national identity".
But it warned the monarchy "will not long retain its popularity" if Charles, who often writes to ministers about issues close to his heart like the environment, is seen to breach constitutional convention by interfering in politics as king.
To mark the royal birthday, there were two military gun salutes at London's Hyde Park and the Tower of London and crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace.
Later, parliament will be lit up in the red, white and blue of the British flag.
Royal officials released new pictures of the queen taken by US celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz.
They were shot at Windsor Castle, where she will on Friday host US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
In one photograph, the monarch is pictured with four of her dogs outside the castle west of London.
In another, she is surrounded by some of the youngest members of her family, including a great-granddaughter clutching one of her handbags.
Charles read an extract from Shakespeare's "Henry VIII" in tribute to his mother on the BBC.
It referred to a princess who was "a pattern to all princes living with her/ And all that shall succeed".
The queen was also presented with an orange drizzle cake baked by Nadiya Hussain, winner of cookery show The Great British Bake Off.
Not a foot wrong?
The royal family is currently in a strong position due in part to the perception of the queen as separate from politics.
When The Sun newspaper published a story last month claiming she supported Britain leaving the European Union in a June referendum, Buckingham Palace swiftly complained to the press watchdog.
The queen did, though, make a carefully choreographed intervention in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum with a warning that people should think "very carefully" about the future.
The monarchy has not always been on as sure a footing as it seems to be now.
It went through what the queen described as an "annus horribilis" or horrible year in 1992 when Prince Charles separated from his first wife Diana, while two of her other children also went through breakups and Windsor Castle was hit by fire.
The monarchy's popularity plunged after Diana died in a Paris car crash in 1997 and the queen was accused of reacting coldly.
Advisors subsequently steered the royals towards a more modern image.
Some 68 percent of Britons think the monarchy is good for Britain, according to a YouGov survey last year.
Speaking outside Windsor Castle, royal fan John Loughrey, dressed in red, white and blue, described the queen as "unique".
"She hasn't put a foot wrong," he added, before launching into a rendition of the national anthem.
AFP
Thu Apr 21 2016
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II (L) and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh wave to wellwishers during a 'walkabout' on her 90th birthday in Windsor, west of London, on April 21, 2016. - AFP Photo/John Stillwell
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.