Chris Jackson/Getty ImagesHappy birthday, Queen Elizabeth II!
The British monarch turns 90 today, and she's celebrating both privately with her family and publicly with the nation. People turned out in waves to see the Queen walk around Windsor Castle and to wish her a happy birthday. For her special milestone, the Queen opted for a green outfit that channeled the best of spring. Her matching hat featured lemons and white flowers.
Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to the Queen, whom he said was a "rock of strength for our nation." Her son, Prince Charles, read an excerpt from William Shakespeare's King Henry VIII while giving her a birthday message that was broadcast on the BBC World Service. Even though the day will be all about her, the Queen stopped to wish others who are celebrating their 90th birthdays well. She later dubbed 1926, her birth year, a "vintage year."
"I send my best wishes to those who are celebrating their 90th birthday...on this shared occasion, I send my warm congratulations to you," she said.
While going on her walkabout to meet and greet with the citizens who came to meet her, the Queen accepted bouquets of flowers and other gifts. The Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussein also presented Her Majesty with a baked birthday cake. The gorgeous creation featured three tiers with purple and yellow icing, which are two of the Queen's favorite colors. Hussein also presented her with a smaller orange drizzle cake with a buttercream and marmalade filling—she is known to have a bit of a sweet tooth!
Eventually her walkabout turned into a drive with her son.
When she arrived at Castle Hill, she stopped to unveil a new plaque that marks The Queen's Walkway, a landmark that was created in 2015 after the Queen officially had become Britain's longest reigning monarch. During the unveiling, she remarked it was a "lovely day." One fit for a queen!
Chocolatiers at Cadbury World took four days to sculpt a chocolate version of Buckingham Palace. It came complete with gates, chocolate solders and a standing guard.
Later tonight the Queen will light a beacon in Windsor, which will be the first of more than 1,000 that will spread across the country and around the world. Prince Charles will also host a lavish private dinner for her family and friends at the castle.