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Queen Elizabeth said Britain "has been resolute in the face of adversity" in her official birthday message on Saturday amid the turmoil of militant attacks, a political crisis, and a deadly fire disaster.
"Today is traditionally a day of celebration," she said. However, "it is difficult to escape a very somber national mood," as the UK has experienced a succession of terrible tragedies.
The Queen and Prince William on Friday visited the survivors of the Grenfell Tower blaze, a recent catastrophe happened on early Wednesday leaving at least 30 people dead. They spoke to volunteers, local residents, and community representatives.
She said she had been struck by the inclination of people to offer comfort and support to those in need during her recent visits in Manchester and London.
"United in our sadness, we are equally determined, without fear or favor, to support all those rebuilding lives so horribly affected by injury and loss," the Queen added.
Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926 in Bruton Street in central London and became queen in 1952, aged 25.
At 91, she still regularly carries out her official duties, but has cut back on her number of engagements in recent years. She celebrates two birthdays each year: her actual birthday on April 21, and her official one which usually falls on the second Saturday in June.
Her official birthday in this year, however, is on the third Saturday in June without exact reason.
(CGTN)
