On Wednesday she was given a grand parade in the heart of London, where huge crowds lined the streets for a glimpse of the woman affectionately known to the nation as the Queen Mum.

The Queen Mother watched the parade surrounded by more 10,000 invited guests at London's Horse Guards Parade.

The parade went ahead in spite of a number of security alerts and a bomb planted in a London train station earlier in the day.

Prince Charles and the Queen Mother

The Queen Mother arrived for her day of tribute in an open carriage accompanied by her grandson Prince Charles and the strains of music played during her coronation in 1937.

'The people's chance' to celebrate

For many of the people on hand she is one of Britain's most enduring symbols - a woman who has helped guide the nation over a century that saw two world wars and unprecedented challenges to the monarchy.

Dressed in pink, with customary hat and trademark smile both firmly in place, she was treated to a tribute with a little bit of everything in it - from elegant choral music written in her honour to a birthday message from the actor Sir John Mills.

"We are all here again to say thank you to everything you have meant for the nation, and the Commonwealth, and for your lifetime of care and inspiration."

Saluting the Queen Mother

The Queen Mother remains the most popular member of the Royal Family. For the people who came out to wish her a happy birthday she can do no wrong - never mind the persistent rumours about her spending habits and her iron will.

"When we were young they first came on to the throne and then she lost her husband and she carried on so long on her own really. She's been a wonderful woman and it's wonderful to see her carry the 100 years anyhow," said one royal fan.

"Yeah, she's wonderful and she's been the stalwart of our royalty really, kept them in line I think," said another.

The Toronto Scottish Regiment

The parade was made up of military regiments including three from Canada and more than 300 charities for which the Queen Mother acts as patron.

In spite of her age, the Queen Mum stood for most of the parade waving as the participants filed past and then stepping up to the microphone to offer her own thanks.

"I would just like to say a heartfelt thank you to all those who've come here to take part in this lovely day. I do hope you've all enjoyed it as much as I have. I'll just say God bless you all and thank you."

The day's events ended with the Queen Mother standing alone at the centre of the pageant, a small figure listening to a crowd of thousands singing God Save the Queen.

Written by CBC News Online staff

Three cheers for the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mum thanks everyone for the celebration.