Cardinal's message to the Queen on her 95th birthday

Queen Elizabeth and Pope Benedict during his 2010 visit . Photo: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk

Source: Archbishops House

Ahead of the Queen's 95th birthday today, 21 April, Cardinal Vincent wrote to Her Majesty, on behalf of the Bishops Conference, to offer 'deepest condolences' on the death of the Duke of Edinburgh and congratulations on her birthday. The Cardinal thanked God for the example of Prince Philip's life and prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Congratulating the Queen on her 95th birthday, he thanked her "for all the years of outstanding service" she has given as Queen and Sovereign, and asked for God's blessing on her reign.

The full message reads:

'This week we, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, are meeting in Plenary Assembly. We wish to send you our heartfelt greetings and prayers.

'With one voice we wish to convey to Your Majesty our deepest condolences on the death of your beloved husband, HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. With the peoples of our nations, we have mourned his death, prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul, thanked God for the example of his life, and prayed to our heavenly Father for the strengthening of Your Majesty and the Royal Family.

'We also wish to offer you our congratulations on the occasion of your 95th birthday. We thank you for all the years of outstanding service that you have given as our Queen and Sovereign, and we ask God's blessings on the years of your reign that are still to come.

'May God bless Your Majesty, now and always.'