King Charles III pays emotional tribute while senior royals attend ceremonies marking the late monarch’s enduring legacy.
LONDON: The British royal family commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II with a series of national events, reflecting on her historic reign and lasting influence on the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
King Charles III led the tributes, joined by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, as they participated in multiple engagements honoring the late monarch’s life and service.
In a televised address, King Charles paid a heartfelt tribute to his “darling mama,” recalling her remarkable 70-year reign. He highlighted her warmth, humor, and what he described as her “marvellous twinkle of the eye,” emphasizing her deep connection with people across generations.
As part of the commemorative events, the King visited the British Museum and expressed support for plans to establish a national memorial in St James’s Park, aimed at preserving Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy for future generations.
Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a reception at Buckingham Palace, welcoming guests from diverse communities. The event marked one of Catherine’s first major public appearances following her recent recovery from cancer, drawing attention and appreciation from attendees.
During the reception, Catherine shared an emotional moment with 88-year-old George Cross recipient Tony Gledhill. The veteran became visibly moved as he spoke about his late wife, who had encouraged him to attend the palace event before her passing. The princess offered him a comforting embrace, highlighting the personal connections that defined the occasion.
Buckingham Palace also released official photographs to mark the centenary, featuring senior members of the royal family, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other prominent royals.
The commemorations underscored Queen Elizabeth II’s enduring legacy as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, whose leadership and dedication continue to shape the monarchy’s role in modern society.

