Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates 90th Birthday

(Vatican Radio) Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, today celebrates her 90th birthday.

Many people have paid tribute to Her Majesty. Prime Minister David Cameron has called the world’s oldest reigning monarch a “rock of strength” for the nation. Her son, Prince Charles, said, “She, like all of us, can reflect on a life that has inspired and encouraged millions of people in the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.”

The President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, also paid his own tribute on Twitter: “The Queen offers us an example of dedicated and enduring service. #HappyBirthdayYourMajesty We look forward to the celebrations.” 

Her Majesty is no stranger to social media. Earlier today, she tweeted, “I send my best wishes to those who are celebrating their 90th birthday...on this shared occasion, I send my warm congratulations to you."

The 90 year old monarch was born to the Duke and Duchess of York in 1926. Her father would later become King George VI. She undertook public duties during World War II, and married Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1947. She ascended to the throne in 1952 after her father died, but her coronation did not take place until 1953.

Britain’s longest-lived monarch has met a number of popes at the Vatican over the years, including Pope Saint John XXIII. She has also met popes in the UK; she met Pope Benedict XVI during his state visit in 2010 and Pope Saint John Paul II during his pastoral visit in 1982. Most recently, she met with Pope Francis during a visit to Rome in 2014.