King Charles honours 'darling mama' Queen Elizabeth on 100th birthday
King Charles has paid tribute to his "darling mama" Queen Elizabeth on the day she would have celebrated her 100th birthday.
King Charles paid tribute to his "darling mama" Queen Elizabeth on the day she would have celebrated her 100th birthday.
The 77-year-old monarch recorded a heartfelt address to the nation which was released on Tuesday (21.04.26) honouring his late mother's life, legacy and 70-year reign, which ended when she died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, aged 96.
In the video - which was recorded in early April in the library at Balmoral - Charles said: "Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved mother’s 100th birthday, my family and I pause to reflect on the life and loss of a sovereign who meant so much to us all and to celebrate anew the many blessings of her memory.
"Queen Elizabeth’s 'promise with destiny kept' shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.
"Her near century was one of remarkable change, and yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served.
"Millions will remember her for moments of national significance; many others for a fleeting personal encounter, a smile, a kind word that lifted spirits ... or for that marvelous twinkle of the eye when sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in the final months of her life."
Charles went on to add a poignant message of hope for the future, saying: "Much about the times we now live in I suspect may have troubled her deeply, but I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon.
"For, as a young Princess Elizabeth put it in her first-ever public broadcast, aged just 14, we can each play our part ‘to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place. It is a belief which I share with all my heart.
"So young or old, and whatever our differences, let us therefore seek to follow this example as we make today not the marking of a milestone felt by absence but the celebration of a life well-lived and a legacy of hope as we strive together towards a 'better, happier tomorrow' - one rooted in peace, justice, prosperity and security. In this, I renew my own solemn pledge of duty and service to you all."
Charles concluded his message by saying: "God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers."
The King's message is part of the commemorations marking Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday which also include a series of public engagements and a special reception at Buckingham Palace, with senior members of the royal family expected to attend alongside Charles and his wife Queen Camilla.
After the events, the King and Queen will travel to the US for a State Visit hosted by 79-year-old President Donald Trump, which will run from April 27 until April 30.
