The Assoicated Press headline read - "Queen Turns 80"
I got all excited, wondering what kind of article I'd be reading about QUEEN. I mean, Queen? Turning 80? No offense to the royal lady, but boy was I disappointed.
Lisser wrote: What is the difference between her "actual" birthday and her "official" birthday?
Who gives a Sh**? You guys managed to break away fom the monarchy a couple of hundred years ago. Share the secret, let's get rid of the leeches once and for all.
Actually the official answer is :- because she does. Here's the British Embassy FAQ answer to this question.
The Queen was actually born on 21 April, but it has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday on a day during the summer. Since 1805 the Sovereign's 'official' birthday has been marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony, normally held on the second Saturday in June.
This is a ceremony which originated when it was essential for soldiers to recognise the flag or 'Colour' of their regiment so that they could follow it into battle. Each year one of the five regiments of the foot guards (Grenadiers, Coldstream Guards, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards) take turns to display their Colour in the ceremony.
The ceremony begins with the Queen leaving Buckingham Palace escorted by the Household Cavalry. She rides down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade and inspects the 500 guardsmen.
The Colour is trooped by being carried along the ranks of guardsmen, and the Colour party then leads the guards on a march past the Queen, accompanied by the massed bands of the foot guards.
No particular annual ceremony is held on the Queen's true birthday, although the Union Flag is flown on public buildings and the national anthem is sung.
Lisser wrote: What is the difference between her "actual" birthday and her "official" birthday?
Who gives a Sh**? You guys managed to break away fom the monarchy a couple of hundred years ago. Share the secret, let's get rid of the leeches once and for all.
Actually the official answer is :- because she does. Here's the British Embassy FAQ answer to this question.
The Queen was actually born on 21 April, but it has long been customary to celebrate the Sovereign's birthday on a day during the summer. Since 1805 the Sovereign's 'official' birthday has been marked by the Trooping the Colour ceremony, normally held on the second Saturday in June.
This is a ceremony which originated when it was essential for soldiers to recognise the flag or 'Colour' of their regiment so that they could follow it into battle. Each year one of the five regiments of the foot guards (Grenadiers, Coldstream Guards, Scots, Irish and Welsh Guards) take turns to display their Colour in the ceremony.
The ceremony begins with the Queen leaving Buckingham Palace escorted by the Household Cavalry. She rides down The Mall to Horse Guards Parade and inspects the 500 guardsmen.
The Colour is trooped by being carried along the ranks of guardsmen, and the Colour party then leads the guards on a march past the Queen, accompanied by the massed bands of the foot guards.
No particular annual ceremony is held on the Queen's true birthday, although the Union Flag is flown on public buildings and the national anthem is sung.
I'll never tell the secret!!!
Actually before I joined this board and met so many English people I had the opinion that the Royal Family were leeches also and didn't seem to serve much of a purpose other than to live off the taxes of the people. But I've since learned differently and I'm glad. It's good to learn more about other cultures.
I hope I look as good as her when I'm 80.
Thanks for the lesson scally. Now go and send your birthday card to your Queen!!! Go on!
PieterMC wrote: I can't stand them. They serve no purpose.
Except to distract elderly people and tourists from the problems in this country. No sorry that was the Queen Mum's (Gawd Bless 'er) job. The rest of them are a waste of space - sorry Lisser she isn't getting a card from me. She can afford to buy one and wite my name in it if she's that desperate. Hell she can afford to buy enough cards to wrute everyone's name in.
Neil
Amongst other pomp and circumstance, the Royal Family is tradition and they also bring about a HUGE amount of revenue in via tourism to the country. I don't know the exact terminology on this but some portion of something that has to do with the Royal Family is tax exempt but Queen Elizabeth, for a great number of years, has voluntarily paid the taxes anyway. Bob is the one who educated me on the Royal Family and their purpose. When he's got time and is able to return, I bet he'll be more than happy to give us all a history lesson. Bob knows everything about history. If you want to know something about history, ask Zeni or Bob.