Queen’s 94th birthday celebrations cancelled amid COVID-19 pandemic

The Queen has shared private snaps from her family album to mark her 94th birthday, as public events have been cancelled.

Britain’s royal family have shared private family images of the Queen as a child to mark her 94th birthday on April 21.

The monarch has cancelled a gun salute which traditionally marks her birthday for the first time in history amid the coronavirus pandemic. A birthday parade scheduled for June has also been scrapped as social distancing would make it impossible.

Head of the Commonwealth, Head of the Armed Forces, Head of State in 16 countries and the longest reigning Monarch in British History. Wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Happy birthday, Your Majesty! ✨🎂 pic.twitter.com/fusEVFsAJT

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 21, 2020

A picture of the Queen shared on her birthday.

She will spend the day in Windsor, where she is living in isolation with Prince Philip, 98. The Queen has also instructed officials to make sure flags are not flown at half-mast on her account amid concerns it could not be made to happen safely.

The Queen and Prince Philip have made rallying statements to the country and Commonwealth during the health crisis including a televised speech for just the fifth time in history in her 68-year-reign.

On Monday, Prince Philip issued a rare statement from his retirement to thank essential workers for their role in keeping the country moving.

Other members of the royal family wished the Queen happy birthday on Tuesday.

Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th Birthday today! 🎂🎈 pic.twitter.com/X1ZUvtsRgn

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 21, 2020

Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy 94th Birthday 🎈 pic.twitter.com/ycTa0i00VY

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 21, 2020

The royal family have been heavily involved in rallying support for frontline workers during the crisis through public messages and behind the scenes activities.

Prince Charles has also recovered from the virus and virtually opened the Nightingale hospital in London which has been created to treat up to 4000 patients.

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It comes as Prince Harry and Meghan decided to issue a statement saying they would adopt a policy of “zero engagement” with four of Britain’s tabloids ahead of a case against the Mail on Sunday owners that begins on Friday.

The unfortunate timing and decision to speak out about the press has led to criticism of the couple as being out of touch and self-centred.

Harry and Meghan are currently living in Los Angeles where they have been pictured delivering meals to the homeless after stepping down from royal duties on March 31.