Bidens honor ‘selfless’ Queen Elizabeth as UK kicks off Platinum Jubilee
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden congratulated Queen Elizabeth II Thursday for her “unprecedented 70 years of service to the UK” as Britain began four days of celebrations to mark the 96-year-old monarch’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Your Majesty, congratulations on your Platinum Jubilee,” the president said in a video message posted on Twitter. “For 70 years you’ve inspired people with your selfless devotion and service to the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. Throughout your reign, the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States has grown stronger and closer than ever.”
Jill Biden then said: “Throughout the years, the joy your visits to the United States have brought Americans and your solidarity with the American people in times of tragedy have deepened the friendship and profound connection between our countries.
“And Joe and I were so touched by the generosity and welcome you showed to us when we visited you at Windsor Castle last year during our first visit overseas as president and first lady,” she added.
“On behalf of the people of the United States,” the president concluded, “we send you — our best wishes to you and people around the world marking this momentous and historic occasion.”
“Congratulations, Your Majesty,” the first lady signed off, “and have a wonderful Platinum Jubilee celebration.”
The White House posted the video from the @POTUS account as the Queen led the royal family onto the Buckingham Palace balcony to greet her subjects following the Trooping the Colour parade.
The president’s visit with the monarch in June last year was not without controversy, as he was accused by some royal watchers of breaking protocol by keeping his sunglasses on while the two were introduced as well as revealing details of a private conversation between the heads of state.
“I don’t think she’d be insulted,” Biden said at the time. “But she reminded me of my mother, the look of her and just the generosity.”