Queen Elizabeth II wrote to American pen pal for 70 years with same birthday

about what Queen Elizabeth II meant to them, as they waited to pay respects to the Monarch.

A North Dakota woman wrote to Queen Elizabeth II for the past 70 years while sharing the same birthday as Her Majesty.

"They’ve kind of…been pen pals ever since my aunt sent her a congratulation letter when she was made the queen," Phyllis remarked.

Queen Elizabeth II reigned over the United Kingdom for 70 years.

Her Majesty’s coffin is lying in state at Westminster Hall ahead of her funeral on Monday.

PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE JOIN ROYAL FAMILY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE TO RECEIVE QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S COFFIN.

Hankey explained that her letter exchange with the queen became a birthday tradition, and she was ecstatic when she first received a letter from Her Majesty. .

Grenadier Guards flank the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II during a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.

The queen is lying in state in Westminster Hall before her funeral on Monday, Sept.

AFTER QUEEN ELIZABETH II'S DEATH, BRITISH CITIZENS SPEAK OUT ABOUT PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE

Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral will be held Sept

Her Majesty’s coffin is lying in state at Westminster Hall ahead of her funeral on Monday