Britain's Prince Charles thanks Queen for 70-year Reign
By Stefan J. Bos
The now 73-year-old Charles, Prince of Wales, congratulated his mother the Queen for "serving this nation, the Realms and Commonwealth" for the past seven decades.
His remarks, released by Clarence House, focused on the woman who led her nation through tragedies and triumphs since the aftermath of World War Two.
Prince Charles noted, "The Queen's devotion to the welfare of all her people inspires still greater admiration with each passing year."
He particularly welcomed his mother's wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King. He said he and his wife were "deeply conscious of the honor."
Prince Charles added: "As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout."
Young woman
The Queen's reign began when she was just 25 years old, following her father's death, George VI, on February 6, 1952.
She received the crown with the words: "from God crown you with a crown of glory and righteousness that having a right faith and manifold fruit of good works, you may obtain the crown of an everlasting kingdom by the gift of him whose kingdom endureth forever."
Now 70 years later, the monarch said that the day of her coronation is one she remembers "as much for my father's death, King George VI, as for the start of my reign."
The Jubilee is the monarch's first without the Duke of Edinburgh, her husband of 73 years, who died last year.
She reflected on how much she had gained from the support given "unselfishly" by Prince Philip and thanked the goodwill shown to her by "all nationalities, faiths, and ages in this country."
Joyful moment
Despite her openly expressed pain for his passing, there was a brief joyful moment with the press looking on.
Remembering the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, she joked about her jubilee cake being upside down in Sandringham House.
When told the cake was turned upside down for the benefit of photographers, she joked: "I don't matter?" The Queen also left her guests laughing and applauding as she told them, "I'll put the knife in, see if it works" before adding: "Somebody else can finish it off."
She added that these last seven decades had seen extraordinary progress.
The 95-year-old said in a written message to the nation: "I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support. I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me."
The Queen signed off the message: "Your servant Elizabeth R."
Thank you for reading our article. You can keep up-to-date by subscribing to our daily newsletter. Just click here
