Whitehall sources said that early discussions were under way for a royal tour of America next year, which would include the site of the World Trade Center, where 67 Britons were among 2,752 victims on September 11, 2001.
Meanwhile, the annual ritual of Trooping the Colour was given a number of twists yesterday, including a celebratory series of rolling volleys fired by the Guards in front of Buckingham Palace. Prince Harry was accompanying his grandmother to the ceremonies for the first time in dress uniform as a cornet in the Blues and Royals.
Celebrations of the Queen’s 80th will culminate next weekend in a giant children’s party at Buckingham Palace.
If the Queen visits the site of the World Trade Center, she will follow the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke of York, in addition to Tony Blair and other senior politicians, who have already paid tribute there.
The visit is expected to take in several cities and would be at the invitation of President George Bush, who paid a state visit to Britain in 2003.
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The latest instalment of the Queen’s birthday celebrations followed last Thursday’s service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and the lunch given afterwards at Mansion House by the lord mayor of London.
Yesterday morning the monarch rode in a carriage at the head of her guards after an hour-long Trooping the Colour ceremony on Horse Guards Parade. The colour paraded yesterday was the flag of first battalion, the Welsh Guards, which has been mentioned as the regiment most likely to be joined by Prince William.
The prince, however, was absent and was instead taking part in a charity polo match in Richmond, west London.
He had already been given two days’ leave from Sandhurst last week, one to attend the St Paul’s service and another to be present at the funeral of Bruce Shand, father of the Duchess of Cornwall, his stepmother. Camilla, who is in mourning for her father, was absent yesterday.
Harry, who yesterday was travelling in a carriage, may in future years ride as a participant with fellow members of the Household Cavalry escorting the monarch.
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Following the trooping in warm sunshine the Queen — in a mauve silk dress and purple summer coat — was joined by an almost full turnout of the royal family for the traditional appearance on the balcony at Buckingham Palace.
The ceremony included a flypast by 49 aircraft led by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.
The troops assembled below in the palace forecourt gave the feu de joie (fire of joy), a traditional military salute. It consisted of a series of volleys interspersed with snatches of the national anthem.
The Guards have not carried out this routine for the Queen before and there was the odd awkward moment. Some of the royals seemed startled at the shots while at each blast of the anthem they snapped to attention. A guardsman split his trousers, perhaps bending to lay his rifle down so he could raise his bearskin to join in the three cheers.
The current festivities are the second burst of celebrations marking the Queen’s birthday. A series of events marked the actual day on April 21.
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The occasion was also marked by the birthday honours which — in addition to the awards such as knighthoods for the businessmen Philip Green and Stelios Haji-Ioannou — included a large number of decorations for servants.
They include Angela Kelly, the Queen’s personal assistant, senior dresser and trusted confidante, who has been made a member of the Royal Victorian Order. Three years ago she began designing the Queen’s clothes and is credited with giving the monarch a more up-to-date look.
The festivities will continue all week, starting tomorrow with the Garter ceremony at Windsor. On Tuesday the Queen will attend the first day of Royal Ascot, opening a new £200m stand. During the meeting she will also entertain a large house party at Windsor Castle.