By Lucy Caulkett-
The Queen’s official birthday has been marked with a ceremonial tribute by the military under physical distancing measures.
Soldiers from the Welsh Guards, staged the unique event in the grounds of Windsor Castle, as the head of state made her first official public appearance since lockdown was imposed.
The Queen spent the lock down in Windsor Castle with the Duke Of Edinburgh.
The traditional trooping the colour ceremony, which normally features hundreds of servicemen and women and thousands of spectators, was ruled out because of the threat of coronavirus.
The Queen, flanked by officials, sat alone on a dais for the ceremony. It was her first official public appearance since lockdown began.
The Queen has already celebrated her 94th birthday in April this year, but her birthday is officially – and publicly – celebrated on the second Saturday of June every year.
Guardsmen sharp march with Social Distancing Image:Reuters
Privilege
The guardsman, whose regiment is part of the Household Division, said it was a “huge privilege” to be given the key role of performing the drummer’s call during a difficult time for the country.
“Only four weeks ago I was involved with testing key workers for Covid-19 as part of the Welsh Guards’ contribution to the battle against the virus; now I am on parade performing in front of Her Majesty,” he said. “This is a very proud day for me.”
The ceremony began when the Queen took her place on a dais in Windsor Castle’s quadrangle and the royal salute was given by the troops and the national anthem was played.
Welsh Guardsmen and the band of Household Division
The Queen was given a royal salute accompanied by a march of precision which also took into account social distancing.