UAE leaders congratulate Queen Elizabeth on her 95th birthday

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the world's oldest monarch, turns 95 on Wednesday, but there will be no public celebrations just days after she bade farewell to her husband of seven decades at his funeral.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, sent a message of congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her birthday.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, sent similar messages of congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince Philip, whom Elizabeth married in 1947, died on April 9 at the age of 99. The royals paid their final respects to the family's patriarch at his funeral on Saturday at Windsor Castle.

Queen Elizabeth II sits alone during Prince Philip funeral service.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the queen sat alone during the sombre service for Philip, who she had described as her "strength and stay".

Elizabeth, who is also the world's longest-reigning monarch, will be at the castle for her birthday, which traditionally passes off with little or no ceremony.

Philip's death has robbed Elizabeth of her closest and most trusted confidant, who had been beside her throughout her 69-year reign.
Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street, central London. She ascended to the throne in 1952 at the age of 25, and surpassed her great-great-grandmother queen Victoria as Britain's longest-reigning monarch in September, 2015.

Elizabeth is also queen of 15 former British colonies including Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

"I would like to send my warm wishes to Her Majesty The queen on her 95th birthday," British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Twitter. "I am proud to serve as her prime minister."