Even in isolated Pyongyang, the British monarch’s 70th jubilee has not gone unnoticed. Queen Elizabeth also received congratulations from North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un on her big day.

North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un sent a message of congratulations to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II on her 70th jubilee. “I congratulate you and your people on your country’s national day, the official anniversary of Her Majesty’s birthday,” read the message to the Queen, which the Foreign Office said was sent on Thursday.

Kim was referring to the “Trooping the Color” military parade with which Great Britain officially celebrated the Queen’s birthday on Thursday. Tens of thousands of people in London cheered for the 96-year-old. Her actual birthday is April 21st.

Queen congratulated North Korea on founding a state

As the state news agency KCNA reported, last year the Queen of North Korea sent a message of congratulations on the anniversary of the founding of the country on September 9th.

London and Pyongyang have maintained diplomatic relations since 2000. However, the British Embassy in North Korea is currently closed due to travel bans due to the corona virus. Relations have also been strained by North Korea’s numerous missile tests since the beginning of the year. In addition to North Korea, numerous other heads of state such as US President Joe Biden and Pope Francis sent their congratulations.

Elizabeth II ascended the British throne on February 6, 1952. However, the nationwide 70th anniversary celebrations are only taking place now due to better weather.