Queen Elizabeth II turns 92

Prime Minister Theresa May led birthday tributes to the head of the royal family on Saturday, praising her "service, dedication and constancy."

Read more: Prince Charles to succeed Queen as head of the Commonwealth

A concert was held in her honor at London's Royal Albert Hall featuring singers Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Craig David, Sting and Shaggy, and South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

The extravaganza was a break from tradition for the Queen, who normally celebrates in private. She appeared in a silver and gold lame dress with ivory tweed and embroidered daisies, designed by Angela Kelly. A 7-year-old boy from London, Mason, who was also celebrating his birthday, presented the monarch with a bouquet of flowers on stage. The queen shook his hand. 

Earlier in the day she was honored with a 41-gun royal salute by soldiers from the Royal Horse Artillery, along with a parade past Buckingham Palace and a second, 62-artillery gun salute at the Tower of London.

Elizabeth has ruled Britain and the Commonwealth for more than 65 years. She became Queen at the age of 25 and is the longest-reigning monarch Britain has had, surpassing Queen Victoria's six-decade reign. Her power is largely ceremonial but she plays a key constitutional role. 

She will be succeeded as the British monarch by her son Prince Charles. He was approved by a meeting of heads of Commonwealth governments on Friday to take over in the future her role as head of the post-colonial organization.  

Read more: Britain's Prince Philip makes final solo public appearance

aw/ng (dpa, AFP, Reuters)