Queen Elizabeth 'destined' to become monarch

10 June 2016

Britain's Queen Elizabeth was "destined" to become the monarch of the United Kingdom.

Queen Elizabeth

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, spoke of the Queen's commitment to her country and urged the congregation gathered at the National Service of Thanksgiving to help celebrate 90 amazing years of her life.

He said: "Ninety years ago, Her Majesty The Queen was born, like every human being knit together in her mother's womb, and today we thank God for the way in which she, like every human being, is fearfully and wonderfully made.

"Before we ever come to light, God marks our journeys. No one at the Queen's birth knew for what she was destined. Today we recognise that God knew. 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 in her life."

The Archbishop went on to thank the Queen - who was joined by her husband Prince Philip and her grandchildren Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge at the service - for keeping the country "fearfully and wonderfully sustained" throughout her long reign.

He added: "Over the 63 years and the 90 years there has been much to fear: at times of personal challenge or national crisis.

"But just as the Psalmist sees through fear to something more stirring and more extraordinary, so 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."

Meanwhile, the Archbishop ended his sermon at St Paul's Cathedral, London with a mention of the Duke of Edinburgh, who is celebrating his 95th birthday on Friday (10.06.16).

He shared: "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."