Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her 90th Birthday today.
According to Vatican Radio, many have already paid tribute to the Queen of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, including English Cardinal Vincent Nichols.
Via Twitter, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales shared,“The Queen offers us an example of dedicated and enduring service. #HappyBirthdayYourMajesty We look forward to the celebrations.”
Moreover, Prime Minister David Cameron has called the world’s oldest reigning monarch a “rock of strength” for the country.
Likewise, 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.”
Grateful for the best wishes, Her Majesty tweeted earlier today, “I send my best wishes to those who are celebrating their 90th birthday…on this shared occasion, I send my warm congratulations to you.”
In 1926, the monarch was born to the Duke and Duchess of York. 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.
Over the years, Her Majesty has met a number of Popes at the Vatican, including Saint Pope John XXIII. In addition, she has received Popes in the UK, including Pope Benedict XVI during his state visit in 2010 and Saint Pope Saint John Paul II during his pastoral visit in 1982.
Most recently, she met with Pope Francis during a visit to Rome in April of 2014. Joined by her husband, Prince Philip, the queen’s informal meeting with Francis marked her first encounter with the Argentine Pope.