President Obama praises Queen as 'favourite person' and 'real jewel to world'

US president Barack Obama has paid a glowing tribute to the Queen, describing her as an "astonishing person and a real jewel".

He spoke after having lunch with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle and presenting her with a 90th birthday present - a reminder of her many visits to America.

Speaking at the Foreign Office, Mr Obama said the Queen "is truly one of my favourite people".

And he added: "She's an astonishing person and a real jewel to the world, not just to the United Kingdom."