The Queen's Birthday Celebration: Best images from the night



May 15, 2016
Queen Elizabeth II in a teal dress kisses Prince Charles on the cheek.© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen was greeted by son Prince Charles as she arrived to attend her 90th birthday celebrations in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

For the special occasion, the monarch wore a sea green dress with lace overlay and matching jacket by Angela Kelly.

Elizabeth II, wearing a blue dress, helps Charles, Prince of Wales, adjust his white gloves.© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Charles kissed his mother's hand when she arrived at the arena.

Camilla, wearing a white coat and heels, stands by a car door, smiling.© Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cornwall wore a cream dress and embroidered coat by Fiona Clare.

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, seated in a royal carriage.© Photo: PA

The show featured 1,500 performers, 900 horses and told the story of the life of the Queen.

Man in black suit singing into microphone, pointing upward with right hand.© Photo: Rex

Gary Barlow was the first star to hit the stage, performing Something about this land from the musical Finding Neverland.

He was soon followed by Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, Andrea Bocelli, Damian Lewis, Jess Glynne, Imelda Staunton, Jim Carter, Alfie Boe, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Beverley Knight, Jennifer Saunders, Alan Titchmarsh and Martin Clunes.

Elizabeth II, wearing a teal dress, sits among other royals and guests at an event.© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen and Prince Philip were joined by other members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry, the Duchess of Cornwall and her granddaughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, and Kate Middleton sit together at a royal event, smiling.© Photo: Getty Images

The Duchess of Cambridge, who was sat next to Prince Philip, wore a Dolce and Gabbana dress combined with a red Zara jacket.

Elizabeth II, in teal dress, converses with Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, in tan coat, and another woman in red coat.© Photo: Getty Images

The event was hosted by Ant and Dec.

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a green dress and a necklace, claps her hands in a royal setting.© Photo: Getty Images

Her Majesty seemed to enjoy herself throughout the show. She smiled and applauded as the Royal Cavalry of Oman play 'Happy Birthday to You'.

Elizabeth II, seated in a teal dress, surrounded by other individuals in formal attire, watching an event.© Photo: PA

The Duke of Edinburgh covers his ears during a gun salute as the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the Queen look on. The King of Bahrain was invited by the monarch.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, shakes hands with another man at a formal event.© Photo: Getty Images

Prince Harry speaking to the King of Bahrain.

A woman in a Union Jack dress sings on stage with a microphone.© Photo: Rex

Katherine Jenkins performed I Vow to Thee My Country.

Large screen displays a photo of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in formal attire, with an audience in the foreground.© Photo: Getty Images

Scenes from the marriage of the Queen and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh were shown during the event. Dame Helen Mirren said: The marriage is "an inspiration to us all".

A large screen shows a historical image of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Below, uniformed riders on horses perform, including Christian Jones in red uniform.© Photo: Getty Images

The two-hour event took the Queen through the key events in her life - a reminder that she had not only reached a record-breaking reign, but has also been a first-hand witness to some of the most momentous events of the past century.

Two people on black horses in an arena with a crowd. The person in front wears a helmet.© Photo: Getty Images

A parade of the Queen's own horses took to the arena, ridden by, among others, Earl of Wessex and Lady Louise Windsor.

Anne, Princess Royal, riding a white horse, waves to the crowd in an indoor arena.© Photo: Getty Images

The Queen's daughter, Princess Anne, also took part.

Three riders on horses, one being Anne, Princess Royal on a white horse.© Photo: Getty Images
Granddaughter Zara Tindall rode her eventing horse Toytown.
A man in a turban and traditional attire rides a white horse during an equestrian event.© Photo: Getty Images

The real stars of the show were the horses and their riders, who had travelled from as far as Chile, Canada, Oman and Azerbaijan to perform impressive stunts for the Queen.

Shirley Bassey stands on stage in a white dress, singing into a microphone with a smile, surrounded by cellists.© Photo: Rex

Shirley Bassey closed the show singing her hit song Diamonds are Forever.

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