Queen Elizabeth marks 80th birthday with low-key celebrations

Apr 21, 2006, 8:14 GMT

London - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II turned 80 Friday with plans to mark her milestone birthday with a public walkabout and a private family dinner hosted by Prince Charles, heir to the throne.

Buckingham Palace said the queen received 20,000 cards and 17,000 e-mails for her birthday and had been 'very touched' by the messages they contained.

'I would like to thank the many thousands of people from this country and overseas who have sent me cards and messages on my 80th birthday', a statement said.

Later Friday, the queen and Prince Philip are to tour the town of Windsor, near London, for a 45-minute walkabout, before retreating to Windsor Castle for private celebrations.

A family dinner and a tribute by Prince Charles to his mother will mark the highlight of the day.

Thousands of well-wishers are likely to descend on Windsor to greet the royal couple, while a military band is due to play 'Happy Birthday' as cards and flowers are given to the Queen by members of youth groups.

The queen will celebrate her 'official birthday' with the Trooping the Colour parade in London in June, in accordance with royal tradition and in the expectation of better weather.