Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, the Archbishop of Westminster, has sent the following letter to HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh on the occasion of their diamond wedding anniversary.

'The Catholic Bishops of England and Wales, meeting in plenary session this week, have asked me to convey their sincere greetings on the very happy occasion of your diamond wedding anniversary.We give thanks to God for the life and work you have shared with each other in the service of the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.

'We assure Your Majesty and Your Royal Highness of our prayers for you both, for your family and for your continued health and wellbeing.'