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Chief Rabbi congratulates Queen on record-breaking reign

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Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis has paid tribute to the Queen as she becomes Britain's longest-reigning monarch today, surpassing the record set by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.

Rabbi Mirvis wished the Queen “congratulations on reaching this historic and special landmark.”

The Queen will have reigned for 63 years and 216 days, breaking the record at around 5.30 this afternoon, the moment on February 6 1952 when she ascended to the throne on the death of her father, George VI.

Prime Minister David Cameron is to lead tributes in the House of Commons and there will be a celebratory flotilla on the River Thames.

The Queen, who is 89, will spend the day carrying out official duties in Scotland.

Rabbi Mirvis said: “The Queen is a truly remarkable and outstanding role model, whom we are blessed to have as our sovereign.

“Our wishes to her come from across the Jewish community in the UK and the Commonwealth, for good health, blessings and continued success for many more years to come.”

He has issued a special prayer for the Queen and the Royal Family to be read in synagogues this Shabbat.

In it, he called on God “to shower His blessings upon her for many more years to come, in good health, in happiness and with fortitude, and may the work of her hands be successful always.”

The prayer in full:

He who gives salvation to kings and dominion unto princes, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom – may he bless Our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles, Prince of Wales, and all the Royal Family.

May the supreme King of kings in His mercy preserve the Queen in life, guard her and deliver her from all trouble and sorrow. May he bless and protect Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. May He put a spirit of wisdom and understanding into her heart and into the hearts of all her counsellors, that they may uphold the peace of the realm, advance the welfare of the nation, and deal kindly and justly with all the House of Israel.

May Almighty God, who has seen fit to grant our Sovereign length of days and strength to reign, making her our nation’s longest reigning monarch, continue to shower His blessings upon her for many more years to come, in good health, in happiness and with fortitude, and may the work of her hands be successful always.

In her days and in ours may our Heavenly Father spread the tabernacle of peace over all the dwellers on earth; and may the redeemer come unto Zion; and let us say Amen

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