Salute to Queen Scatters Londoners
by Cael O'Maolain
London - April 21 - Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 71st birthday with a quiet day around Windsor Castle in the company of members of the royal family. In her typical out-of-the-forefront style, the Queen made no public appearances during the day. There are, however, ceremonies scheduled for the sovereign on Saturday, June 14th.
Londoners, conversely, were very much affected by the Queen's royal birthday. At noon, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park sending residents fleeing from their cars and off the streets fearing another IRA bomb attack. An hour later, a 62 gun salute was fired by the Honorable Artillery Company at the Tower of London. Again people abandoned their vehicles fearing IRA action. One Londoner interviewed after the ceremony at the Tower of London stated, "...the whole bloody city's on edge. We jump when a bloak corks a bottle of champagne."
The Rogue Market on the Royals is about as demure as the Queen, herself. Trading has been very slow and, face it, a 71 year old, lame duck queen hasn't stirred much interest in a number of years. Princess Di was unavailable for comment or for wishing her highness a happy 71st. She is thought to be very busy tagging dresses for her next garage sale.