Obama honors Queen Elizabeth II on her Diamond Jubilee [Video]

President Obama has offered Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II the “heartfelt congratulations of the American people” on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee (watch video below).

In a video message, Obama said the queen was a “living witness” to the power of the special relationship between the U.S. and U.K., and the “chief source of its resilience.”

“As a steadfast ally, loyal friend and tireless leader, Your Majesty has set an example of resolve that will be long celebrated,” Obama said.

“May the light of Your Majesty’s crown continue to reign supreme for many years to come.”

Queen Elizabeth hosted Obama for a state visit in 2011. His toast to his fellow head of state caused a bit of a row, as they say across the pond, when the orchestra prematurely began playing “God Save the Queen” even though he had not finished his remarks.

Obama returned the honor by hosting British Prime Minister David Cameron for a state dinner this year.

The queen ended four days of commemoration of her 60 years on the throne Tuesday with a service at St. Paul’s Cathedral and a “flypast” of the Royal Air Force at Buckingham Palace.