David Cameron and Jeremy Corbyn used Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday to mark the day before the Queen's 90th birthday – though, one appeared markedly more effusive than the other.
Starting the weekly session Nigel Adams, Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty, paid tribute to the monarch Queen Elizabeth II who declared in 1947 “that her whole life, whether long or short, would be dedicated to the service of our nation”.
Mr Adams argued that “nobody could possibly argue that her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has done anything other than fulfill her promise to the nation with dignity and grace”.
The Prime Minister, nodding in agreement with his colleague said: “Tomorrow is an important landmark not only for her Majesty the Queen but also for our country and the Commonwealth as a whole.
"She has served our nation with such dignity and such ability for so many years – 64 years on the throne. And I think it’s right we’re going to have the opportunity in the House tomorrow to pay tribute to what she has done and I know the whole country and the whole House will want to join me in saying long may she reign over us."
The life-long republican and Labour leader, however, appeared to have a slightly different approach – or, as the New Statesman's Political Editor George Eaton described: "as much enthusiasm as any lifelong republic should summon".
He said: “I’m also looking forward to wishing her a happy birthday tomorrow but until then Mr Speaker could the Prime Minister explain why he is intent on forcing good and outstanding schools to become academies against the wishes of teachers, parents, school governors and local councillors?”
