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LONDON, Oct 26 (AFP) - A series of parties and special events will be held in Britain between April and June next year to mark Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday, royal officials said on Wednesday.
Buckingham Palace, the queen's official residence in London, said events would take place around her actual birthday on April 21 and her so-called official birthday on June 17.
The British monarch historically enjoys two birthdays, with the official date marked by a military parade known as Trooping the Colour.
The queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, will kick off the birthday proceedings by hosting a reception and lunch at Buckingham Palace on April 19 for other people who will also turn 80 two days later.
On her actual birthday, Elizabeth's eldest son Prince Charles will host a family dinner in his mother's honour.
Members of the royal family will attend a special thanksgiving service at St George's Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor castle, west of London, on April 23.
Two months later, a national service of thanksgiving will take place at St Paul's Cathedral in the British capital on June 15.
Children from across Britain will also be invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace on June 25.
Elizabeth acceded to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI. She was crowned on June 2, 1953.
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