Obama sends Queen Elizabeth a diamond jubilee message

The Ticket

President Barack Obama on Tuesday sent Queen Elizabeth II a video message on the occasion of celebrations marking her 60 years on the throne. "May the light of Your Majesty's crown continue to reign supreme for many years to come," he said.

So, no hard feelings about that whole "burned the White House during the War of 1812" thing. (Which is frequently the butt of jokes at the White House.)

"Your Majesty, on the historic occasion of your diamond jubilee, Michelle and I send you and all the British people and members of the Commonwealth the heartfelt congratulations of the American people. In war and in peace, in times of plenty and in times of hardship, the United State and the United Kingdom have shared a special relationship," the president said.

Obama also paid tribute to the Queen's longevity on the throne: "While many presidents and prime ministers have come and gone, Your Majesty's reign has endured."In 2002, the White House took a somewhat more low-key approach for the Queen's Golden Jubilee: A statement from press secretary Ari Fleischer.

Click to see more of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations

(Stefan Wermuth/Reuters)