Queen Elizabeth II turns 96 today and has chosen to celebrate her birthday privately on the estate of Sandringham, in the English county of Norfolk. The British sovereign arrived by helicopter from Windsor Castle, where she now resides. Elisabetta has always celebrated her birthday in her family, which is then officially celebrated in June, when the weather is more forgiving. This year the celebrations will take place on June 2 and will kick off a four-day celebration of the Diamond Jubilee, which will mark the 70-year reign of the longest-lived ruler in British history. Fresh from Covid in February and a widow for a year, Elizabeth II recently appeared more fragile in health and with some mobility problems. The last time she appeared in public was for the religious ceremony in memory of her husband Philip in March, as she skipped the traditional Easter mass. She however she continued to carry out her duties online. In Sandringham, a country estate where Elizabeth and Philip organized family gatherings, the Queen should stay at the Wood farm, a cottage much loved by her late husband, because it is simple and cozy, with a small staff, as well as near the sea. Here the sovereign will be able to see relatives and close friends in complete tranquility. Just before Easter, Elizabeth II received a visit to Windsor from her rebellious nephew Harry and his wife Meghan, who gave up their royal status in 2020 and settled in California. Harry, who made a stop in Britain on his way to the Invictus games in Holland, said he found his grandmother “in great shape” in an interview with broadcaster NBC. He then added, without providing any further details, that he wanted to be sure that the sovereign is “protected” and has the “right people” around her.