Much has been made over the years of Queen Elizabeth II's relationships with the Commanders in Chief of the United States (opens in new tab). From official state visits to speculation about the hidden meaning (opens in new tab) behind her jewelry choices, royal watchers and political buffs alike are endlessly fascinated by the Queen's interactions with U.S. presidents. While some of those interactions, like State Banquets, are on the public record, the Queen has also been known to share private communications with presidents as well, like her call with Donald Trump (opens in new tab) last summer, the subject of which was not shared publicly.
In keeping with that tradition, Buckingham Palace has confirmed that the Queen has sent Joe Biden a private message ahead of his inauguration (opens in new tab) earlier today. While the content of the message has not yet been confirmed, the message was reportedly (opens in new tab)one of congratulations to the incoming U.S. President.
The Queen sent a private message to President Biden @JoeBiden earlier today, ahead of his inauguration, Buckingham Palace has confirmedJanuary 20, 2021
Though the Queen has historically taken her position of political neutrality seriously and rarely comments on American leaders, that's never stopped the public from speculating about her feelings towards the presidents.
And there's been plenty of time to speculate—today's inauguration of President Joe Biden makes for the thirteenth time that Her Majesty has seen the U.S.'s top office change hands during her reign, and she's personally interacted with almost all of the men who've held the position. (Lyndon Johnson somehow missed out on a face-to-face with the British monarch, but he got a personal visit (opens in new tab) from the Queen's sister, Princess Margaret, instead.)
Her Majesty isn't the only royal sending Biden well-wishes. The Grand Duke of Luxembourg also sent a message (opens in new tab), offering his "sincere congratulations" on the inauguration, adding that he looks "forward to continuing and strengthening the longstanding relationship and deep friendship between our two countries."
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