King Charles has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 100th birthday, saying she would have been deeply troubled by current affairs but believed 'goodness will always prevail'. In a video message filmed at Balmoral Castle, the monarch honoured the nation's longest-reigning monarch, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96.
The King said the day should celebrate a 'life well-lived' rather than mark an 'absence'. He noted that the late Queen 'remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served' through decades of remarkable change. He also recalled her first public broadcast at age 14, where she urged everyone to play their part in making the world a better place.
Without specifying the troubles, the King's message comes amid ongoing global uncertainties, including the war in Ukraine and economic volatility. The tribute also follows the stripping of titles from his brother, Prince Andrew, over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Royal events on Tuesday include a Buckingham Palace reception with charities associated with the late Queen, such as Cancer Research UK and the Jockey Club. Members of the monarchy will also visit the British Museum to view a model of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial, designed by architect Norman Foster, with the Prime Minister in attendance.
