King Charles remembered the life of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 100th birthday.
The monarch shared an emotional message to commemorate the momentous day.
King Charles’ Emotional Speech
Charles shared a pre-recorded message to mark Elizabeth’s centennial birthday.
“Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved mother’s 100th birthday, my family and I pause to reflect on the life and loss of a sovereign who meant so much to us all,” he began in his Tuesday, April 21, speech, which was shared via YouTube.
He continued, “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. Her near-century was one of remarkable change. And yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast, and wholly devoted to the people she served.”
Charles — who ascended the throne following his mother’s September 2022 death — explained that his mother would likely have been “troubled” by the state of the world.
“But I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail, and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon,” he added. “For, as a young Princess Elizabeth put it in her first-ever public broadcast, aged just 14, ‘We could each play our part to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place.'”
Charles encouraged listens to “follow [his mother’s] example.”
“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, happier tomorrow. One rooted in peace, justice, prosperity, and security,” he concluded.
Queen Elizabeth’s Tragic Passing
Elizabeth was the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, having sat on the throne for more than 70 years.
She tragically passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96.
“Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision. The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral,” the Palace announced earlier that morning, per The Guardian.
As the British royal family rushed to be at her side, the Queen passed at 3:10 p.m.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” Charles said at the time. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.”
