The Queen was today praised by the Archbishop of Canterbury for her “wonderful service to the nation” at a national service of thanksgiving to mark her 90th birthday.
The Archbishop, who led the service at St Paul’s, said in his sermon: “We are here today to worship the God who made our Queen, and to celebrate the way in which God’s hand has been so uniquely evident upon her life. Over the 63 years (length of reign) and the 90 years there has been much to fear: at times of personal challenge or national crisis.
“We look back on Your Majesty’s 90 years in the life of our nation with deep wonder and profound gratitude.
“Through war and hardship, through turmoil and change, we have been fearfully and wonderfully sustained. Your Majesty, today we rejoice for the way in which God’s loving care has fearfully and wonderfully sustained you — as well as Prince Philip marking his 95th birthday today.
“And we rejoice, Your Majesty, for the way in which the life God has given you in turn you have given wonderfully in service to this nation. You have been an instrument of God’s peace, and through you God has so often turned fear into wonder — and joy.”
In a poignant moment of calm reflection, the Queen listened to prayers read in her honour. The Rt Rev Justin Welby led the service attended by the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the royal family including the Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry.
David Cameron gave a reading and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, diplomats and governors-general from the Commonwealth were in the congregation.
Natural history broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, who also turned 90 this year, read a passage written by Michael Bond, author of the Paddington Bear series, reflecting “on the passing of the years”.
The service was the beginning of three days of events marking the Queen’s official birthday. She turned 90 on April 21.
Tomorrow, which is the official birthday, the annual Trooping the Colour will be held at Horse Guards. Members of the royal family will make their annual appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, where they will watch a fly past featuring 30 planes, from Spitfires and Hurricanes to modern-day fighters such as the Typhoon. Princess Charlotte, the Queen’s great granddaughter, is expected to make her first appearance on the balcony.
There will also be a Thames pageant. Gloriana, the royal barge restored for the diamond jubilee in 2012, will lead a flotilla of about 40 boats to Tower Bridge. Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave will be among the non-rowing VIP guests on board.
The procession will also include 12 Dunkirk “Little Ships”, MV Havengore, which carried Churchill’s coffin, and boats from the Royal Navy, RNLI and Marine Volunteer Service. A London Fire Brigade vessel, a vintage fire boat and passenger cruisers will also take part. It will pass Parliament at 12.10pm, arriving at the Tower at 12.50. Tower Bridge will open in salute.
A 62-gun salute will also be fired from the Tower at 1pm.
On Sunday, the Queen will host a street party for some 10,000 people at the Patron’s Lunch— a celebration of her patronage of more than 600 organisations in the UK and around the Commonwealth. The Mall will be lined with picnic tables and guests will enjoy a hamper-style lunch. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince William and Prince Harry are expected to attend.
