King Charles Remembers 'Darling Mama' Queen Elizabeth on Her 100th Birthday
King Charles honored his "darling mama," the late Queen Elizabeth in a heartfelt speech, on what would have been her 100th birthday.
The monarch recorded his message from Balmoral Castle, the British royal family's Scottish estate where Elizabeth II died at age 96 on September 8, 2022. The decision to film his remarks there underscored the location's deep personal significance, adding a poignant layer to his tribute.
NBC News reported on Charles' statement. He said that the occasion was a chance to "reflect on the life and loss of a sovereign who meant so much to us all and to celebrate anew the many blessings of her memory."
He shared, "Millions will remember her for moments of national significance; many others for a fleeting personal encounter, a smile, a kind word that lifted spirits, or for that marvelous twinkle of the eye when sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in the final months of her life."
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"Much about the times we now live in, I suspect, may have troubled her deeply, but I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon. God bless you, darling mama. You remain forever in our hearts and prayers," the king concluded.
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On April 20, PEOPLE Magazine reported that Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, toured the exhibit Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style. It features her wedding dress, coronation gown, tiaras, and other items royal watchers will remember as prominent thorughout Elizabeth's 70-plus year reign.
According to NBC News, other key royal events marking Elizabeth's April 21 birthday include a royal visit the British Museum. There, Charles and other royal family members will view designs for a national memorial to Elizabeth in London's St James's Park.
RELATED: King Charles Plans Emotional Tribute for Queen Elizabeth's 100th Birthday
Additionally, Queen Elizabeth's only daughter, Princess Anne, will open a garden named for her late mother in London's Regent's Park. According to GB News, Anne will welcome others who are celebrating their 100th birthdays to the event. Later this evening, Charles will host a reception at Buckingham Palace.
Queen Elizabeth was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on April 21, 1926, in London. Her father was King George VI and her mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. She had one sister, Princess Margaret.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 4:48 AM.