On 19 September 2010, after the conclusion of the farewell ceremony held for Pope Benedict XVI, he sent Queen Elizabeth II the following telegraphic message.

HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH II

AS I LEAVE THE UNITED KINGDOM AT THE CONCLUSION OF MY APOSTOLIC VISIT I RENEW MY DEEP GRATITUDE TO YOUR MAJESTY FOR THE GRACIOUS WELCOME AND THE MANY KINDNESSES WHICH YOU YOUR GOVERNMENT AND THE BRITISH PEOPLE EXTENDED TO ME DURING MY STAY (.) I ASK ALMIGHTY GOD TO GUIDE THE NATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH HIS WILL AND TO CONFIRM IT ALWAYS IN THE WAYS OF FREEDOM JUSTICE AND PEACE (.) UPON ALL I CORDIALLY INVOKE THE LORD’S ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

BENEDICTUS PP. XVI

[Provided by the Vatican Press Office]