King Charles has delivered a heartfelt message to pay tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II on what would’ve been her 100th birthday.
In a three-minute video released on Tuesday, the monarch said the royal family were pausing to “reflect on the life and loss of a Sovereign who meant so much to us” while also celebrating her enduring legacy.
Speaking from the library at Balmoral Castle, his mother’s favourite residence and where she died on September 8, 2022, King Charles III reflected on how she changed the world during her 70-year reign.
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“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,” Charles said.
“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.”
The King added many events around the world today would have “troubled her deeply” but found comfort in knowing “goodness will always prevail” as the Queen believed.
“God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers,” Charles ended the tribute.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born on April 21, 1926.
She became queen unexpectedly in 1952 after the sudden death of her father, King George VI, while she was on a trip in Kenya.
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned at her televised coronation on June 2, 1953.
Her 70-year reign witnessed the decline of the British Empire, the rise of the Commonwealth of Nations, major global events such as the Cold War and defining royal moments including the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Queen Elizabeth died on September 8, 2022 at Balmoral Castle, after which her eldest son became King Charles III.
The King’s speech in full to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday
“Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved mother’s one hundredth 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,” King Charles said.
“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 marvellous twinkle of the eye when sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in the final months of her life.
“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.
“God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers.”
