The Archbishop of Canterbury has praised the Queen as a "sign of stability" in a short film for her Diamond Jubilee.

The film, produced by Lambeth Palace, sees Dr Rowan Williams share his thoughts on the significance of the Queen's 60-year reign "in which nationally and internationally so much has shifted".

"To have [a monarch] who has been a symbol, a sign of stability through all that period is really a rather exceptional gift," he says.

He also reflects on the support he has received personally from the Queen during his time as Archbishop, "I’ve always found it really refreshing to be able to talk with her … to get her perspective."

He continued: “Part of the regular rhythm of life as Archbishop is that I see the Queen privately, just one to one, perhaps once or twice a year.

"I’ve really valued those meetings because she’s always extremely well informed about issues concerning the Church - extremely supportive and full of perception. She’s seen lots of archbishops come and go, she’s seen prime ministers come and go, so she knows something of the pressures of the job.”

He praised the Queen's poise and capacity to help the nation "keep our heads collectively" and "not to be panicked by change".

"She has very gently steered that cultural process in her own way," he said.

“I think we’ve been enormously fortunate in this country to have as our head of state a person who has a real personality – a personality that comes through more and more, I think, in her public utterances.

"Someone with insight and judgement, and with immense stamina and a depth of commitment that I think is immensely impressive to all of us.”

Churches will be lighting up beacons in honour of the Queen this weekend and holding community parties and lunches as part of the nationwide celebrations.

On Tuesday, Dr Williams will deliver the sermon at the national service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.