Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her 85th birthday Thursday.
The Queen attended a traditional pre-Easter ceremony, the Royal Maundy Service, at Westminster Abbey, where she handed out specially minted coins to 85 elderly men and 85 elderly women.
The Queen's actual birthday is April 21, but official celebrations to mark it are held in June because of the better weather for a parade.
The royal family will not have to wait that long for its next celebration.
The Queen's grandson, Prince William, will marry Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey next Friday.
* For more information on the Royal Wedding, visit our Special Report page
Britain's Queen Celebrates 85th Birthday
