Dharamsala, April 22 (IANS) The Dalai Lama greeted Queen Elizabeth II of Britain on the occasion of her 90th birthday on April 23, a statement said on Friday.
In a letter, the globetrotting Tibetan spiritual leader wrote: "Her Majesty is someone I have admired since I was a small boy in Tibet."
"I remember reading about her and seeing newsreels of various members of the royal family visiting and comforting people in war-torn London. I understand that befitting celebrations of her status as Britain's longest serving monarch are taking place while many tributes are being paid to her from across the world," he said.
"I would like to add my own congratulations and wish Her Majesty a happy birthday," the Nobel Peace laureate said.
Describing Queen Elizabeth as "a steadfast source of inspiration to many, a model of strength and dedication", he said: "On this auspicious occasion I offer my prayers for the happiness, prosperity and long life of Her Majesty and the peoples of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth."
The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland Tibet in 1959. The Tibetan administration-in-exile is based here.
