Queen Elizabeth II turns 96 | latest Europe | DW

One hundred cannon salutes in London will mark today (21.04.2022) Queen Elizabeth II’s 96th birthday, but the king, affected in recent months by increasing mobility issues, is celebrating it “in private”.

As per tradition, the Tower of London cannon will fire 62 salvos and another 41 will be launched from the center of Hyde Park. But there won’t be anymore, because since the 18th century the British rulers officially celebrate his birthday in June to enjoy the good weather.

In addition, this year the celebrations will coincide with lavish activities organized for the “platinum jubilee”, 70 years of the reign of Elizabeth II, who ascended the throne on February 6, 1952.

The latter was a complicated year for the queen, between the death of her husband Prince Felipe, the sexual abuse lawsuit against a minor that her son Andrés finally settled with an out-of-court financial agreement in the United States and her growing health problems.

In this context, Elizabeth II plans to blow out the 96 candles “privately,” a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman told AFP.

To coincide with the birthday, American toy manufacturer Mattel released a Barbie doll featuring a young Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II Barbie

ee (effe/afp)

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