The Queen’s local parish minister at Balmoral has paid tribute to her on the day she becomes Britain’s longest reigning monarch.
Crathie Kirk on Deeside normally numbers the Queen among its regular Sunday worshippers when she is at her private Scottish retreat.
Local minister the Rev Ken MacKenzie said her commitment to office “comes partly from a deep sense of calling” and that “her faith is very much to the fore in her life”.
“There is terrific admiration and affection in the community for the Queen, who has clearly been so committed and faithful over many years for what she clearly sees as a calling.
“She has a great love of Scotland. The red boxes come here and with new technology she remains very much involved in affairs of state, but she is here for many weeks in the year and to some degree she is freed from day-to-day responsibilities.
“She derives some peace and respite from the grandeur of these hills and takes a great interest in the community and all that we are involved in.”
Mr MacKenzie added: “The Queen has made it clear that she does not see this day as a landmark in the same way the anniversary of the coronation might be.
“This day is essentially linked to good health and long life. For the rest of us, however, it is perhaps a day to acknowledge and give thanks for her devoted service to the country over so many years.”
The Rt Rev Angus Morrison, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, spent last weekend with Her Majesty at Balmoral Castle and preached in her presence at Crathie Kirk.
He said: “The occasion had added significance in approaching the time, now reached, when the Queen has become the longest-serving monarch in our history.
“While the Queen herself, in characteristic fashion, wishes to play down the importance of the occasion, and announces ‘business as usual’, it is impossible for us not to pause, to reflect, to celebrate, and to give thanks.”