By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, April 22: The Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama has send greetings to Queen Elizabeth II on her 90th Birthday.
His Holiness wrote, “Her Majesty is someone I have admired since I was a small boy in Tibet. I remember reading about her and seeing newsreels of various members of the royal family visiting and comforting people in war torn London. I understand that befitting celebrations of her status as Britain’s longest serving monarch are taking place while many tributes are being paid to her from across the world. I would like to add my own congratulations and wish Her Majesty a happy birthday.”
HIs Holiness described the queen as ‘a steadfast source of inspiration to many, a model of strength and dedication.’ He wrote, “On this auspicious occasion I offer my prayers for the happiness, prosperity and long life of Her Majesty and the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.”
The Dalai Lama shares a special bond of friendship with her son, Prince of Wales.
In solidarity, Prince Charles had skipped state banquets organized by the queen in honor of Chinese Presidents, Jiang Zemin in 1991 and Xi Jinping in 2015. He had also skipped the opening ceremony of 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
