Queen Elizabeth II privately celebrates her 96th birthday

Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 96th birthday privately on Thursday.

The monarch is retreating to the Sandringham estate in eastern England that has been a refuge from the affairs of state for her and her late husband, Prince Philip.

Elizabeth is expected to spend the day at the estate’s Wood Farm cottage, a personal sanctuary where she also spent her first Christmas since Philip’s death in April 2021.

This birthday comes during the queen’s platinum jubilee year, marking her 70 years on the throne.

While Thursday will be quiet, public celebrations will take place June 2-5, when four days of jubilee festivities have been scheduled.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered Elizabeth birthday wishes in a statement.

“Today, I join millions of people in Canada and around the world to celebrate the 96th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada,” Trudeau said.

“Her Majesty’s leadership and steadfast commitment to our country and the Commonwealth is an example to us all. During her 70-year reign, she has supported Canadians, serving with grace, dignity, and wisdom.”