The Queen turns 82 on Monday and is marking her birthday privately at Windsor Castle.

It is believed she will spend the evening enjoying a quiet dinner at the Berkshire royal residence.

This year’s birthday celebration contrasts with events a few years ago when the monarch’s 80th anniversary saw national events staged to mark the milestone.

The Queen was born at 2.40am on April 21 1926 – the first child of the then Duke and Duchess of York – at 17 Bruton Street, the Mayfair home of her mother’s parents, the Earl and Countess of Strathmore.

She is the great-great-grandchild of Queen Victoria, the last female sovereign.

The year will be a busy time for the octogenarian monarch, who heads to Turkey next month for a three-day state visit.

Despite her increasing age she still fulfils a large number of engagements at home and abroad.

On the Queen’s birthday, union flags are flown above Government buildings from 8am until sunset and royal gun salutes are fired in her honour.

She has two birthdays – her actual one on April 21 and her official one in June, which is celebrated with the Trooping the Colour parade. (via The Press Association)