Emmanuel Macron and Pope Francis among world leaders paying tribute to Queen as Jubilee celebrations begin | World News

World leaders congratulated the Queen on her record-breaking 70 years on the throne as celebrations for the Jubilee began.

The first day of Platinum Jubilee celebrations will see an array of events including Trooping the Colour and a six-minute flypast of more than 70 aircraft.

French President Emmanuel Macron posted a video tribute to the Queen, in which he described the monarch as the “golden thread” that binds Britain and France and “the proof of our unwavering friendship between our nations”.

Large crowds gather for Trooping the Colour – follow live updates

Mr Macron also said the Queen had been a “source of wisdom for the leaders of our two countries”.

“From the dark days when your family welcomed General de Gaulle in your home, to his joy to welcome you in his, you have been a constant presence and a source of wisdom for the leaders of our two countries,” he said.

“Celebrating you today is to celebrate the sincere and deep friendship that unites our two countries, and your devotion to it.

“Your Majesty, it is my privilege to extend to you, on behalf of the French people, my heartfelt congratulations on your Platinum Jubilee.”

He added: “You are our friend, such a close ally, our example of service to others.”

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Meanwhile, Pope Francis also paid tribute to the Queen.

He said: “I send cordial greetings and good wishes, together with the renewed assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will bestow on you, the members of the Royal family and all the people of the nation blessings of unity, prosperity and peace.”