The Queen has revealed the plans for her birthday, with Prince Edward to serve as her 'plus one' in light of the death of Prince Philip.
Buckingham Palace said this afternoon Her Majesty’s cousin, the Duke of Kent, will step in for the celebration on Saturday, June 12.
It isn’t the first time Prince Edward has taken up the royal duty – he stepped into the Philip's role when the late Duke of Edinburgh was in hospital for an abdomen surgery in 2013.
Trooping the Colour, the celebration of the monarch’s birthday, is normally celebrated with 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians in a display of military stature.
But this year the event will be a “mini trooping” in line with Covid procedures.
It will showcase troops who have been serving for the military abroad and those who played a key part in the NHS’ coronavirus response.
In a statement, the Palace said: “The Queen will view a military parade in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle to mark Her Majesty’s Official Birthday, on Saturday 12th June.
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“His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent, Colonel, Scots Guards, will accompany The Queen.”
The Duke of Kent is related to Queen Elizabeth through their late dads, Prince George and King George VI – who died when Her Majesty was just 25.
“Upon The Queen and The Duke of Kent’s arrival in the Quadrangle, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will be greeted by a Royal Salute, and the National Anthem,” the Palace continued.
“The parade will commence with the Musical Troop as the Band plays. The Colour will then be trooped through the ranks, and the parade will conclude with a second Royal Salute.
“The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will then fire a 41 Gun Royal Salute, to mark Her Majesty’s Official Birthday, from the East Lawn at Windsor Castle.”
It comes days after the celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee were announced.
The UK is set to enjoy an extra four-day Bank Holiday to mark a record 70 years on the British throne.
Her Majesty will be 96 when the huge milestone is reached.
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