The British establishment turned out on Thursday for a birthday celebration fit for a queen — Queen Elizabeth II to be precise. The monarch's 80th birthday was commemorated officially at a thanksgiving service at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.
Surprisingly, in her speech before the assembled guests, she chose to quote the wit and wisdom of Groucho Marx.
"As one gets older, birthdays seem to come round quicker," she told the crowd of 2,000 well wishers. "As Groucho Marx once said: 'Anyone can get old, all you have to do is to live long enough.'"
When his turn came to speak, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, praised the Queen, calling her a symbol of unity in a time of great uncertainty.
"We give thanks for a human face to our systems, and processes, a human symbol that helps hold us together."
The Queen and members of the Royal Family were later joined by Britain's political, artistic and social elite at the Mansion House for a banquet.
Musician Eric Clapton was invited, along with former prime minister Dame Margaret Thatcher.
The current British Prime Minister Tony Blair was also there, joined by his cabinet. They gave the Queen a tea set as a birthday present.
Britain first celebrated the Queen's 80th birthday on April 21, which is her real birthday.
June 15 is her "official" birthday.
The idea of two birthdays is a royal tradition that comes from past monarchs who were born in winter. Because the British weather is seldom suitable for outdoor events during that time, an official birthday is celebrated in June.
(Source:CBCNews)
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