World leaders and royals celebrate the US's 250th birthday

"The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen," King Charles III said. The US celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence on Saturday, in what the White House has called "the most important milestone" in the nation's history. Fireworks displays, air shows, and a speech from US President Donald Trump are all part of the planned festivities, which Washington hopes will help "inspire a renewed love for American history". Governments, officials, and royals from across Europe have joined the US in celebrating the day. Here are some of the messages they've sent. Ursula von der Leyen In a post on X, von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, wrote: "Today, we join our American friends in celebrating 250 years of independence". "For 250 years, our transatlantic partnership has been shaped by our shared values and family bonds. And, at times, it has been strengthened by the immense bravery and lives lost in the defence of freedom," she added. Volodymyr Zelenskyy The Ukrainian president said the day marked "one of humanity's brightest, strongest, and most influential dreams – the American Dream of an independent, free, and prosperous nation that defends people's freedom, faith, and the pursuit of happiness." "Now, in the 21st century, America's influence and importance are certainly no less. And we see that particularly clearly in Ukraine, which is fighting for its independence, freedom, and our people's right to happiness with much the same hope, the same purpose, and the same determination with which Americans won and defended their own independence". British Royal Family In a post on social media, the British Royal Family shared footage of King Charles III's April trip to the US, which was arranged to mark the anniversary. Charles also issued a separate statement, sending his "warmest congratulations" to Washington. "We were proud, and honoured, to be able to celebrate this special anniversary during our visit to the United States in April," the statement said. "The story of the relationship between our two nations is one of extraordinary evolution, from overcoming conflict to forging one of the closest and most productive alliances the world has seen," it continued. "Across defence and security, trade and investment, science, research, education, culture and the arts, the ties between the United Kingdom and the United States are unique and far-reaching". Karol Nawrocki The Polish President called the anniversary a "milestone for a nation that has left an indelible mark on the history of the struggle for freedom and democracy". "Poland and the United States were united by the ideals of freedom as far back as the 18th century. They were brought together by Pułaski and Kościuszko, the tradition of a constitutional state, the millions of Poles who have contributed to America’s success, and the shared struggle for a safe and free world," he said. "Today, our alliance is one of the pillars of security for Europe and the entire North Atlantic Alliance," he added. French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs In France, the Eiffel Tower lit up in the colors of the US to mark the occasion, with the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs calling it a "powerful reminder that the friendship between our two nations dates back to the 18th century". Friedrich Merz In a post on X, the German Chancellor wrote: "250 years since the USA was founded on freedom, democracy, and responsibility". "Germany and the USA have been connected by a close friendship since time immemorial. Especially in challenging times, our transatlantic partnership remains indispensable," he added. Kristrún Frostadóttir Icelandic Prime Minister Frostadóttir said she was sending "heartfelt congratulations" to Iceland's "dear friends in the United States of America" ahead of the birthday celebrations. "We have shared numerous monumental moments during our friendship over the years. We will forever be grateful for US support in 1944, when the United States of America was the first country in the world to recognise the republic we founded on June 17 that year," she said in a video clip. Sergio Mattarella Italy's president sent a message to US President Donald Trump, offering the "warmest congratulations to the people of the United States, our friends". "At a historic juncture marked by unprecedented challenges for humanity, it is essential that Washington and Rome, including within the framework of the Atlantic Alliance and through their participation in the United Nations and other multilateral forums, continue to work together to promote peace, security and prosperity for their respective peoples and for the whole world," he added.