GUYANA yesterday joined other Commonwealth countries, except Western Australia, in celebrating the Queen’s official birthday in keeping with a tradition going back more than 200 years.

The Queen celebrates two birthdays each year: Her actual birthday, which is on April 21, and her official birthday.
The Queen usually spends her actual birthday privately, but the occasion is marked publicly by gun salutes at midday in central London: A 41-gun salute in Hyde Park; a 21-gun salute in Windsor Great Park; and a 62-gun salute at the Tower of London. In 2006, Her Majesty celebrated her 80th birthday with a walkabout in the streets outside of Windsor Castle to meet well-wishers.

On her official birthday, Her Majesty is joined by other members of the Royal Family to watch the spectacular Trooping the Colour parade, also known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade.
The list of Birthday Honours is also announced on that day.
Here in Guyana, the event, which saw a number of local dignitaries and government officials in attendance, was held at the home of British High Commissioner to Guyana, Mr. Andrew Ayre.