On the occasion of Queen Elizabeth II 90th birthday, President James Michel has sent a congratulatory message to Her Majesty on behalf of the people and government of the Republic of Seychelles and conveyed his very best wishes of good health, happiness and continued prosperity.

In his message, President Michel noted that Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday holds particular significance to Seychelles as the nation will soon be celebrating its 40th anniversary of Independence.

“You remain, Your Majesty, a longstanding symbol of unity and inspiration, not only to your own subjects but to the wider Commonwealth family and to Seychelles in particular,” said President Michel in his message.

President Michel further remarked that Her Majesty the Queen has been instrumental throughout the years in ensuring that the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Seychelles solidify their bonds of friendship and cooperation based on values that she embodied.

“Throughout Your reign you have been an instrument for positive change to which we all aspire,” noted the President.

Queen Elizabeth II is head of the Commonwealth of which Seychelles is a member. In that capacity, President Michel also noted “we are thankful for your guidance, wisdom and support in positioning our organisation as a relevant vehicle in the 21st century which promotes our common desire for democracy, peace, good governance and sustainable development.”

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 90th birthday yesterday, marking a milestone that drew thousands of well-wishers to the streets near Windsor Castle in honor of Britain’s longest serving monarch.

While the queen usually doesn’t make a fuss about her birthday, preferring to spend the day privately, she started the day by greeting the crowds in the town, accompanied by her husband Prince Philip. At midday a gun salute took place to mark the occasion.

Later she unveiled a plaque marking a self-guided walking trail near the castle, about 20 miles west of London. In the evening, she was to light the first of more than a thousand torches and bonfires that will burn across the country in honour of the monarch who has ruled Britain for 64 years.

While yesterday marked her actual birthday, lavish celebrations commemorating the occasion won’t take place until June 10-12, when her birthday is officially celebrated.

In June, she and other members of the royal family will attend a birthday procession on Horse Guards Parade, the open square at the foot of St. James’s Park. The next day, she will attend a party on the Mall with 10,000 guests, and pubs across the country will stay open late over the weekend to celebrate the occasion.

Born in London on April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne when she was 25, following the death of her father, King George VI, who failed to recover from an operation for lung cancer.

Her reign has spanned 12 British prime ministers, all of whom she met regularly.

Her time on the throne has been marked by difficult moments, including the breakdown of the marriage of her eldest son, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana.

Forrás: www.nation.sc