President Barack Obama speaks during a campaign event at the New Amsterdam Theatre as former President Bill Clinton laughs at right, Monday, June 4, 2012, in New York. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Barack Obama sent the Queen the “heartfelt congratulations of the American people” today to mark her Diamond Jubilee.

The US President paid tribute to her 60 years on the throne, saying that although presidents and prime ministers have come and gone, her “reign has endured”.

In a video message posted on the White House website, he said the Queen was a living witness to the power of the alliance between the two nations.

“In war and in peace, in times of plenty and in times of hardship the United States and the United Kingdom have shared a special relationship,” he said.

“We have stood tall and strong and faced some of the greatest challenges this world has known.

“While many presidents and prime ministers have come and gone, your majesty’s reign has endured.”