Your Majesty,

This weekend, millions of people around the world are united: united in joy and admiration as they watch the festivities marking your Platinum Jubilee. On this historic date, let me offer you my most sincere congratulations – and the very best wishes of the German people.

The past seventy years have seen twelve Presidents of Germany – but only one Queen Elizabeth II! In those seven decades of leadership and wisdom, you have navigated our shared history after the catastrophe of World War II. Your determination and your steady hand have been an example to Britons and Germans alike. Now, in times of war in Europe, your tireless devotion to lasting peace between nations is a source of hope and inspiration.

Today, I also want to send a message to the people of the United Kingdom – to congratulate you on this moment of national unity and celebration. Your Queen has not only led your country, she has also forged a bond of friendship between Germany and the United Kingdom.

Your Majesty, we Germans are forever indebted to your legacy, forever grateful for your many gestures of reconciliation. And we are forever committed to our friendship with the people of the United Kingdom.

With all my heart I say: Herzlichen Glückwunsch from Berlin – and God Save the Queen!