22 APRIL 2003
The Queen celebrated her 77th birthday on Monday by going for a ride in the grounds of Windsor Castle, waved off by granddaughter Zara Phillips as she set off for a canter around the estate.

Her Majesty enjoyed bright weather as she chatted with head groom Tom Pendry, who made the outing with her. Afterwards, she chose to spend some quality time with Prince Philip and the Princess Royal, who had been out riding with daughter Zara earlier that morning.

It is normal for the Queen to have a low-key celebration on her birthday, but there were also some ceremonies to mark the occasion. The Royal House Artillery sounded a 21-gun salute in London's Hyde Park to pay tribute to the monarch on her big day.

Prince Charles, along with sons William and Harry, was meanwhile in Scotland, where gunners of the 105 Regiment Royal Artillery also fired salutes at Stirling and Edinburgh Castles.

There will be more traditional ceremonies on the day of the Queen's official birthday, June 16, when she will review the Trooping of the Colour.