Barack Obama: Sends video message to British Queen wishing for Diamond Jubilee

Barack Obama: Sends video message to British Queen wishing for Diamond Jubilee

President Barack Obama has recorded a message of congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee.

(Check out the video below.)

Obama spoke of the UK and US's "special relationship", and noted how the monarch has remained while many prime ministers and presidents have come and gone.

"Your Majesty, on the historic occasion of your Jubilee, Michelle and I send you and all the British people and members of the Commonwealth the heartfelt congratulations of the American people," he said.

"In war and in peace, in times of plenty and in times of hardship, the United States and the United Kingdom have shared a special relationship. And while many presidents and prime ministers have come and gone, Your Majesty's reign has endured.

"As I said last year at Buckingham Palace, that makes Your Majesty both a living witness to the power of our alliance and a chief source of its resilience."

Barack Obama continued: "As a steadfast ally, loyal friend and tireless leader, Your Majesty has set an example of resolve that will be long celebrated. And as we work together to build a better future for the next generation, it is gratifying to know that the bonds between our nations remain indispensable to our two countries and the world.

"In honour of your 60 extraordinary years on the throne, communities across the Commonwealth have lit thousands of Jubilee beacons. May the light of Your Majesty's crown reign supreme for many years to come."

The Queen of England has enjoyed a weekend of Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including the river pageant display on Sunday (June 3), a special concert featuring the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder last night (June 4) and a service of Thanksgiving in St Paul's today (June 5), followed by a carriage procession.

The British head of state has also recorded a special message of thanks to the nation, which will be broadcast at 6pm on radio and television in the UK and across the Commonwealth, after the final celebrations of the historic Jubilee.