World leaders pay tribute to ‘unwavering’ monarch on her Platinum Jubilee

World leaders have paid tribute to the Queen on her historic Platinum Jubilee as a “golden thread” binding the UK with its allies.

French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden and the UK’S own prime minister are among those to have sent congratulations to the “unwavering” monarch, who is celebrating 70 years on the throne over a special extended bank holiday weekend.

Mr Macron told the 96-year-old sovereign of the “deep affection and admiration” that the French people hold for her.

In a video message to mark the jubilee celebrations, he said that while times may have changed, the Queen’s devotion to the alliance between Britain and France has not faltered.

Mr Macron said: “Madame: During the past 70 years, the president of the French Republic has relied on very few constants at the international level.

“Times have changed, Europe has evolved, our continent is again experiencing war.

“Through these transformations, your devotion to our alliance and to our friendship has remained, and has helped build the trust that brought freedom and prosperity to our continent.”

The French president described the Queen as the “golden thread that binds our two countries” and “the proof of the unwavering friendship between our nations”.

From across the Atlantic,

Mr Biden and first lady Jill Biden both offered their congratulations to the Queen.

The president said she had inspired people with her “selfless devotion and service” to the UK and the Commonwealth for 70 years.

“Throughout your reign, the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States has grown stronger and closer than ever,” he said.

Mrs Biden said the joy the monarch had brought the American people through her visits to the US, together with the solidarity she had shown in times of tragedy, had “deepened the friendship and profound connection between our countries”.

“Joe and I were so touched by the generosity and welcome you showed to us when we visited you at Windsor Castle last year, during our first visit overseas as president and first lady,” she said.

Australia’s new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the sovereign had been a “reassuring constant”, and shared pictures of a beacon lit in her honour.

...the golden thread that binds our two countries

The Queen smiles as she watches the Royal Procession.