Queen Elizabeth II’s 94th birthday marked by Royal Family’s release of previously unseen video

Footage of a young Queen Elizabeth II pushing toy pram and playing with sister Margaret released to mark her 94th birthday.

To commemorate the Queen's 94th birthday, the Royal Family has released previously unseen footage of Elizabeth as a child. Pictures: Royal Family

In a touching tribute for the Queen’s 94th birthday, the royal family has released previously unseen footage of Elizabeth as a child.

The video shows Princess Elizabeth pushing a toy pram, rocking on a seesaw and playing in the garden with her younger sister, Princess Margaret.

In another scene, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret learn dance steps from their mother.

Thank you for your messages today, on The Queen’s 94th birthday. 🎈🎉

🎥 In this private footage from @RCT, we see The Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, with her family, including her younger sister Princess Margaret. pic.twitter.com/T5IUS8MmQj

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

On Twitter, the royal family thanked the public for their birthday messages for the Queen.

“To those of you also celebrating your birthdays today at home, with or without your loved ones – we send you many happy returns.”

The account also tweeted four still photographs, including one of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh with their young family.

The Queen celebrated the day at Windsor Castle with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

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

The low-key affair was in stark contrast to the usual celebrations to mark the anniversary. There were no traditional gun salutes for what’s believed to be the first time during her reign. Buckingham Palace said the Queen believed the display would be “inappropriate in current circumstances”.

For the first time in more than a decade, the bells of Westminster Abbey, which is closed, remained silent for the Queen’s birthday.

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

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 21, 2020

The military ceremony, Trooping the Colour, set to be held on her official birthday in June, has also been cancelled.

Unable to visit her in person, members of the royal family conducted video calls with the Queen and posted birthday messages on social media.

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

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 21, 2020