Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations At Windsor Summed Up In 19 Expression-Filled Photos

She could barely contain her emotions.
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The Queen's life was celebrated with a spectacular show featuring stars of stage and screen who performed in honour of her 90 years on Sunday evening.

In the grounds of Windsor Castle - said to be the monarch's favourite home - the Queen's celebration was marked with majestic displays of famous horse troupes, both military and civilian, from across the globe and other performances featuring four-legged animals.

The monarch, who is known for her love of horses, was joined in the royal box by the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, as well as a number of minor royals.

Here are 20 compelling photos of the Queen enjoying her birthday treat.

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The Queen's excitement was visible as she arrived at Home Park in Windsor for the celebrations.
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She was accompanied by Prince Philip, who also appeared to be raring to go.
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She was particularly happy to be celebrating the occasion alongside King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.
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As well as many members of her family.
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She was enthralled by the line up of actors and entertainers from around the globe.
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And was spotted joking along with the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Cambridge.
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She appeared to find the 'Bush Tucker Trials' joke particularly amusing.
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Her Majesty could hardly take her eyes off the show.
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She appeared to be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions.
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Her delight at the glittering event was irrepressible.
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Her younger relatives seemed to have noticed the monarch's high spirits.
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She was regularly seen cheering and clapping at the spectacle.
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The Queen's excitement seemed to be infectious.
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Her face said it all.
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She was thrilled when her son and heir made an appearance.
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And was even more animated than her husband.
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Could it be? A smile?
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We joke, but she genuinely did seem to have a nice time.
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Happy birthday Your Majesty!

Among the famous faces who performed in honour of the Queen were Kylie Minogue, Dame Helen Mirren and Dame Shirley Bassey, with Geordie duo Ant and Dec hosting the two-hour show, which was shown live on ITV.

The Queen celebrated her 90th birthday on April 21, and Charles, patron of the celebrations, wished his mother "the happiest of very special birthdays", writing in the official programme to mark the event, the culmination of the annual Windsor Horse Show, according to the Press Association.

Dec told the 6,000 spectators in the stands: "Her life has spanned 10 decades and historic milestones include one world war, two coronations, man landing on the moon, the dawn of the new millennium, two London Olympic Games and of course 287 Bush Tucker Trials."

Gary Barlow kicked off the entertainment with a belting performance of Something About This Night.

Gary Barlow performs at the event
Gary Barlow performs at the event
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Famous actors narrated the historic moments from the Queen's life, starting with Downton Abbey star Jim Carter, who covered the monarch's childhood years and introduced his wife Imelda Staunton, who performed a song.

Dame Helen took the audience through the monarch's war years and how the nation fought against Nazi tyranny.

The actress went on to describe the young Queen's coronation on June 2 1953 and at the end of the sequence mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins gave a rousing rendition of I Vow To Thee My Country.

Australian pop queen Kylie, also sang a version of her song I Believe In You, while Jean-Francois Pignon, introduced as the horse whisperer of France, enthralled the spectators with his command of a group of horses including a Shetland pony.

All eyes were on the Queen, who wore a sea-green dress with a lace overlay and a matching jacket by her personal assistant and dresser Angela Kelly. On her shoulder she wore a turquoise diamond surround brooch.

Katherine Jenkins performs I Vow To Thee My Country
Katherine Jenkins performs I Vow To Thee My Country
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A major part of the Queen's life has been her role as head of the Commonwealth - the 53-nation organisation know as the family of nations.

Actor Damian Lewis told the crowds the Queen's "commitment and dedication to it is immense".

Military bands from across the Commonwealth performed but the New Zealand Army Band stole this part of the show playing Vangelis' theme from the film Chariots Of Fire, which had the spectators laughing as two of the band ran in slow motion.

The finale saw all the acts - from countries as diverse as Azerbaijan and Fiji - assemble in the main arena for the closing moments when a birthday cake was brought before the crowds.

Dame Shirley Bassey sang the James Bond theme Diamonds Are Forever, before the Happy Birthday song was played, followed by the National Anthem.

Dec summed up the feelings of the crowds when he told the Queen: "Congratulations to you Ma'am on a remarkable milestone - 90 magnificent years - as a princess and a truly inspirational monarch."

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