UK Cheers Queen's Historic 90th With Stamp, Longer Pub Hours

Queen Elizabeth II has become the first British sovereign to reach her 90th birthday and is celebrating in a very royal way: with a stamp. An official photo showing four generations of royals—the queen and princes Charles, William, and George—will be put on first-class stamps, reports CNN. The queen will take it easy on her birthday, lighting the first of some 900 celebratory beacons before President Obama visits on Friday, reports the New York Times. But she'll be one of 10,000 attendees at a birthday picnic in June (when her birthday is ceremonially marked), when pubs will be open for an extra two hours. Prince William shares kind words with Sky News, noting she's been a "strong female influence" who helped him through the death of his mother. He also recalls getting into trouble as a kid and being on the receiving end of "the most almighty bollocking." More birthday coverage:

• The BBC takes a look at how the queen has been portrayed on stage and screen, noting portrayals "have not always been the most flattering."
• A CNN correspondent remembers an "English lesson" from the queen.
• CBS New York presents photos of the queen throughout her life, including a rare one of her wearing pants.
• USA Today rounds up 90 facts you might not know, including the nickname Prince George has given her.
• Care to remember this historic day? Official souvenirs include a $35 commemorative photo album of the queen's life.

(More Queen Elizabeth II stories.)