Honours list plan for Queen Mother

A series of birthday celebrations are already underway

The Queen Mother may be given her own honours list to mark her 100th birthday on 4 August.

Officials at Buckingham Palace said the move would be a one-off gesture in recognition of the contribution she has made to the nation over the last century.

The honours, which would take the form of Royal Victorian Orders, would be likely to be bestowed on individuals from the Queen Mother's private staff and from her 320 favourite charities.

The Queen is the only person normally allowed to give honours, which she does on New Year's Day and on her official birthday.

Spectacular celebrations

A palace spokesman said: "There are a number of ideas which have been put forward to mark the Queen Mother's birthday.

"The idea of a very small honours list is one of the ideas which is being considered."

A series of colourful events are already underway to mark the Queen Mother's birthday.

On Friday, she was flown into Dover by helicopter where she received birthday wishes from the people of the town.

Earlier in the week, four generations of the Royal Family gathered at St Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving.

Celebrations yet to come include a spectacular pageant next Wednesday where camels and corgis will be among those travelling along London's Horseguards Parade, alongside military bands, a choir, an orchestra and thousands of people.