The royal family is celebrating the late monarch's centenary with a full agenda of events on Tuesday, April 21
NEED TO KNOW
- King Charles delivered a recorded speech honoring his mother Queen Elizabeth on what would have been her 100th birthday
- The speech was part of a full slate of engagements for the late monarch’s centenary on Tuesday, April 21
- King Charles and other members of the royal family will also host a reception at Buckingham Palace
King Charles celebrated his late mother Queen Elizabeth's centenary with a touching speech in her honor.
On Tuesday, April 21, in the U.K., the King, 77, delivered a recorded speech commemorating Queen Elizabeth's life and legacy in celebration of what would have been her 100th birthday.
"Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved mother's 100th birthday, my family and I pause to reflect the life and loss of a sovereign who meant so much to us all," he began in his speech from the palace, adding that he and his loved ones will "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," the King continued.
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As footage of the queen was displayed on the screen, King Charles saluted her life of "remarkable change, and yet to each passing decade, to every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast, and wholly devoted to the people she served."
He shared that some may remember her for her "moments of national significance," and others for a "fleeting personal encounter, a smile," or "a kind word that lifted spirits." Referencing her last moments, King Charles said his late mother may be remembered "for that marvelous twinkle of the eye when sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in the final months of her life."
King Charles added that Queen Elizabeth may be "troubled" by "the times we now live in," however, he shared her sentiment that "goodness will always prevail, and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon."
Referencing a quote from Queen Elizabeth's first-ever public broadcast at the age of 14, King Charles said, "We could each play our part to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place."
He encouraged others to "follow this example," no matter their differences, "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 and happier tomorrow. One rooted in peace, justice, prosperity and security."
After renewing his own pledge of duty, King Charles concluded with a message for Queen Elizabeth: "God bless you, darling Mama. You remain forever in our hearts and prayers."
The royal family has a slate of events planned to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's life and historic 70-year reign.
On Monday, April 20, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, a new exhibition being held at the King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace. The exhibition is the largest-ever exhibit of the late Queen's fashion, featuring 300 items from her wardrobe including her wedding dress and christening gown.
The King and Queen also visited the British Museum on the morning of Tuesday, April, 21, to view the design recommendations for The Queen Elizabeth Memorial, which is set to be built in St. James' Park. Also on Tuesday morning, the King's younger sister Princess Anne officially opened the new Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park.
The 100th birthday festivities are set to conclude with a reception at Buckingham Palace in the evening of April 21, hosted by the King, Queen, and other members of the royal family. Guests will include other centenarians celebrating their 100th birthdays.
King Charles' most recent speech was on Christmas last year. (The British monarch's holiday speech is broadcast each year on Dec. 25, and it's a tradition for many families to watch it live.)
During that speech, King Charles recalled praying with Pope Leo earlier in the year, calling it a "historic moment of spiritual unity," as well as the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, remembering the "courage and sacrifice" of veterans and the "way communities came together in the face of such great challenge."
"These are the values which have shaped our country and the Commonwealth,” he said. "As we hear of division, both at home and abroad, they are the values of which we must never lose sight.”
Following the celebration of Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday, King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to the United States for a series of engagements marking the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence from the United Kingdom.
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