The Queen led tributes to the victorious England cricket team after they emphatically swept aside Australia to regain the Ashes.
Inspired by the mercurial Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, appearing in his last Test, England secured a 197-run win over Australia to claim cricket's biggest prize.
The victory sparked joyous scenes in pubs, bars and living rooms across the country as the tension from the nail-biting five-match series was finally released.
A Buckingham Palace spokesman said: "The Queen congratulates the England team on their victory in The Ashes, and extends her good wishes to both teams on their excellent performances over the course of the series."
The Prime Minister will also write to the England team congratulating them on their win.
The title has been Australia's since they demolished England 5-0 in 2006-07.
But today's victory at the Oval in London gave England a 2-1 series win.
Flintoff, as so often, made the telling contribution that turned the game in England's favour.
His brilliant run out dismissed Aussie captain and dangerman Ricky Ponting after stubborn resistance from the tourists.
The England bowlers then proceeded to tear into the remaining batsman with victory secured as Graeme Swann dismissed Mike Hussey to claim the historic urn.
