Born April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II turns 85 years old today.  Although her “official birthday” is celebrated yearly in June with the Trooping of the Colour ceremony.

Happy 85th Birthday to the Queen
- the Monarchy’s lighthouse & touchstone
Long may Her Majesty reign!

The Queen & the Duke are currently in Windsor Castle.  She’ll be in Westminster Abbey later today for the Royal Maundy service. No news on how Her Majesty will be celebrating her landmark birthday.
Yesterday, however, the Palace confirmed that the Queen & Prince Philip hosted Kate Middleton’s parents – Michael and Carole – to a private lunch.  It is believed that it is the first time they have met.  Previous reports insisted the Queen had no plans to meet them before the wedding.
Buckingham Palace says: “The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh hosted Mr and Mrs Michael Middleton at a private lunch at Windsor Castle today.”
According to a royal source: “It was a lovely lunch, very warm with lots of laughter and I think helped put everyone at ease.” The meal started at 1pm and lasted just under an hour and half – Her Majesty has never been one to linger long over lunch.
Also present were a handful of household staff including the Queen’s private secretary and equerry.