queen elizabeth

Before there were wannabe queens, Queen B (Beyonce), Queen Bee (Li’l Kim) or Queen Latifah, there was Elizabeth II, The Queen of England. The British monarch celebrated her 90th birthday with her royal subjects today.

Well wishers from all over the world began gathering hours earlier outside Her Majesty’s Windsor Castle home, west of London, to greet the queen during her daily walkabout. At 90, the queen is still energetic and spry.

“All of us are here to respect the queen and to show her our affection and how much we appreciate all her years of service and to wish her a happy birthday,” said Donna Werner of Connecticut.

Later, the queen will light the first of many beacons that will shine around the world to mark this momentous occasion.

“I send my best wishes to those who are celebrating their 90th birthday … on this shared occasion, I send my warm congratulations to you,” the queen Tweeted today.