Charles III pays tribute to the memory of Elizabeth II, his "dear mother," on the centenary of her birth

Q: A personal message from Charles III to his "dear mother"

In this video address, Charles III speaks of his "dear mother" and affirms that Elizabeth II remained "steadfast, unwavering, and entirely devoted to the people she served." The British monarch also explains that many aspects of the contemporary world would likely have "deeply troubled" her, before adding that he finds comfort in the late queen's belief that good always prevails and that a brighter future remains possible.

King Charles III paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Tuesday in a video message broadcast to mark the centenary of the former British monarch's birth. In this official address, released by the British monarchy, Charles III spoke of her as a figure of stability, duty, and hope, as the United Kingdom commemorates the memory of the late Queen.

Born on April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96, after a seventy-year reign, the longest in modern British history. In his message, Prince Charles III, aged 77, emphasized his mother's steadfastness and her commitment to public service throughout her reign.

A personal message from Charles III to his "dear mother"

In this video address, Charles III speaks about his "Dear mother" and asserts that Elizabeth II remained "constant, unwavering, and entirely devoted to the people she served"The British monarch also explains that many aspects of the contemporary world would probably have "deeply troubled"before adding that he finds comfort in the late queen's belief that good always prevails in the end and that a brighter horizon remains possible.

Charles III also makes a historical reference to a speech given by the young Princess Elizabeth in 1940, when she was only 14 years old. The King recalls that Elizabeth II already believed, at that age, that everyone could contribute to building "A better and happier world tomorrow"a conviction he says he shares "with all my heart".

A memorial unveiled in London alongside the tribute

This royal tribute coincides with the presentation of the final recommendations for the national memorial dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II. The project is to be located in St. James's Park, near Buckingham Palace, in the heart of London. The British government has confirmed that this memorial complex will include a statue of Queen Elizabeth II in the robes of the Order of the Garter, as well as a separate statue of Prince Philip.

One of the central pieces of the memorial will be a bronze statue depicting a young Elizabeth II. This work has been commissioned to the sculptor Martin Jennings and is inspired by the famous portrait painted by Pietro Annigoni after a sitting of the Queen at Buckingham Palace at the end of 1954. This iconographic reference refers to the portrait completed in 1955, often cited as the foundational image of the beginning of Elizabeth II's reign.

A monumental statue in St James's Park

The main statue, including its pedestal, is to reach a height of 7,3 meters and will be installed at the entrance to the memorial in St. James's Park. It will depict Elizabeth II in her youth, facing The Mall, in a composition designed as the starting point for the memorial trail.

A smaller statue of Prince Philip will stand a few steps behind it. The Duke of Edinburgh will be depicted in his Royal Navy uniform, facing his wife.

A centenary marked by several official commemorations

April 21st will be a day of commemorations marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth. Prince Charles III and Camilla Rosemary Shand, Queen Camilla, were scheduled to review the final plans for the memorial, while a reception was planned at Buckingham Palace. Other events, including the opening of a memorial garden by Princess Anne-Elizabeth Alice-Louise, were also announced for the occasion.