Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, on Tuesday paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, marking what would have been her 100th birthday with a reflective video message.
In the tribute, the king described the late queen as “darling mama,” praising her lifelong dedication to public service and unwavering sense of duty throughout her historic 70-year reign.
“She remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served,” Charles said, recalling her enduring legacy.
The monarch, who died in September 2022 at the age of 96, remains the longest-serving ruler in British history.
Charles acknowledged that the challenges of the present day might have concerned his mother but expressed confidence in her enduring optimism.
“I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon,” he said.
The tribute coincided with the unveiling of the final master plan for a national memorial in her honour, to be located in St James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace.
The memorial will feature a prominent bronze statue of the young queen, created by sculptor Martin Jennings and inspired by a well-known 1955 portrait by Italian artist Pietro Annigoni.
The structure, including its plinth, will stand approximately 7.3 metres high at the park’s entrance.
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Plans also include landscaped gardens with winding pathways and a translucent “unity bridge,” symbolically designed to reflect the late queen’s wedding tiara.
A separate statue of her husband, Prince Philip, depicted in naval uniform, will form part of the installation, gazing toward the queen’s likeness.
Members of the royal family are expected to review models of the proposed memorial during a visit to the British Museum.
Born on April 21, 1926, Elizabeth was not initially destined for the throne. Her accession followed the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, in 1936, which led to the reign of her father, George VI. Upon his death in 1952, she became queen at the age of 25.
Since her passing, the royal family has faced a series of challenges, including health concerns and internal tensions.
Both King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales have undergone cancer treatment, while Prince Harry’s public departure from royal duties and subsequent memoir have added to ongoing family strains.
Despite these developments, Charles’ tribute underscored a message of continuity, resilience, and enduring public service—values he said remain central to his mother’s legacy.