The Queen is currently 96 years of age, and is the longest-serving monarch in British history.
She’s been on the throne for 70 years now, a fact being celebrated with aplomb during the ongoing Platinum Jubilee bank holiday.
A host of festivities are currently underway – and it does make one wonder what celebrations would take place if Her Majesty should reach her 100th birthday in four years’ time.
The milestone age was indeed reached by The Queen Mother, who lived to be 101. And the Queen’s aunt Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester lived to be 102.
So, what could potentially happen on such an occasion?
The Queen would turn 100 on April 21, 2026 – as she was born in 1926.
However, Her Majesty has two birthdays: her real birthday in April, and an official birthday in June.
No doubt the Trooping The Colour parade on the Queen’s official birthday – which sees the Royal Family appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony – would be an extra special one.
Beyond that, no one could know what exactly would happen to mark such a momentous occasion.
It’s certainly worthy of a Platinum Jubilee-style celebration, perhaps including street parties, parades, as well as (fingers crossed) an extra bank holiday that year.
When The Queen Mother turned 100 in the year 2000, a special birthday parade was held at Horse Guards – and featured floats, an orchestra and a marching band.
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Cake was also handed out the thousands of well-wishers gathered in Central London to enjoy the festivities, writes the Express.
The Queen Mother was also honoured on a commemorative £5 coin, as well a a £20 bank note.
Meanwhile for Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester’s 100th birthday in 2001, the events were far more low key.
The private Princess had a birthday party with members of the Royal Family at Kensington Palace, and there was a 20-minute military parade in her honour, according to Hello.
Alice was also honoured by one of her patronages, St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, with a garden named after her.
It’s not hard to imagine that there would be a coin minted for the Queen’s 100th – and that parks, places and more would be named Elizabeth in her honour.
Her Majesty already appears on the UK’s stamps, but perhaps a special edition would be created.
Interestingly, it’s well known that all those who turn 100 can receive a special message from the Queen. But, naturally, it probably wouldn’t work for her to send a note to herself?
One can only speculate – but wouldn’t it be lovely if the Queen’s admirers from around the UK and Commonwealth sent her cards, instead?
For now, we’ll just have to wait and see.
MORE : Where was the Queen born?
MORE : Full timeline of Queen Elizabeth II’s extraordinary life as she celebrates historic Platinum Jubilee
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