Queen caught joking with Trooping the Colour guards in behind-the-scenes birthday moment
THE QUEEN charmed royal watchers at her slimmed-down official birthday celebrations today as eagle-eyed viewers spotted an amusing exchange between the monarch and some of her escorting guards.
Trooping the Colour: Queen smiles as band performs
The Queen's official birthday event this year marked a decisive change from the traditional fanfare. The monarch typically celebrates on the second Saturday of June with the Trooping the Colour parade and the release of her birthday honours. However, with the need for social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, the royal was forced to massively cut down the ceremony.
Instead of taking place at Buckingham Palace and central London, the event was located at Windsor Castle, where the Queen is isolating with her husband, Prince Philip.
The ceremonial tribute, dubbed a mini-Trooping, was performed by a small number of Welsh Guardsmen and the band of the Household Division.
After the marching display, Her Majesty was escorted back inside Windsor Castle by guards identified as Major Nana Twumasi Ankrah, Lt Colonel Michael Vernon and Vice Admiral Tony Johnstone Burt.
Viewers of the event coverage noted that she appeared to be having an animated conversation with the men.
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In the footage, the group can be seen making their way back into the castle.
At one point, the Queen stops to seemingly point something out before the four of them carry on again.
They continue to chat, with the monarch gesturing as she speaks to the guards.
Near the entrance to the building, the Queen appears to mimic sticking a pole in the ground.
Trooping the Colour: Expert discusses 'sensible' celebrations
BBC royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell spoke about the event: "If monarchy stands for anything, it's for stability, it's for continuity.
"What a wonderful sight today. It's probably the most memorable birthday parade I can recall.
"No crowds, no Royal Family, not even a birthday honours list."
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He continued: "But here we have the monarch and her guards.
"Nice to see her, as well, wearing the diamond leek, the brooch of the Welsh Guards.
"So the day is very much about keeping calm and carrying on.
"We've got Armed Forces Day coming up later this month and the 75th anniversary of VJ Day.
"The Queen will be at the heart of those commemorations later in the year."