Queen Elizabeth II Turns 96

Rounds will be fired from the Tower of London and Hyde Park in the British capital, where a military band will also play "Happy Birthday".

Gun salutes will ring out Thursday to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 96th birthday, although the monarch herself was expected to mark the occasion with little fanfare.

It has been a troubled year for Britain's royal family, with concerns over the queen's health and questions over the future of the monarchy.

Rounds will be fired from the Tower of London and Hyde Park in the British capital, where a military band will also play "Happy Birthday".

Royal tradition since the 18th century has also seen the monarch have a second, official birthday, typically celebrated in warmer weather in June.