King Charles Pays Tribute to His Mother on What Would Have Been Her 100th Birthday

From the library at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, the place that always stood closest to Queen Elizabeth's heart, King Charles delivered a personal tribute to his late mother on what would have been her 100th birthday.

King Charles delivers a video address from the library at Balmoral Castle. Photo: The British Royal Family

"Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved Mama's 100th birthday, my family and I pause to reflect on the life and loss of a monarch who meant so much to us all," Charles said.

He described his mother as someone who remained "constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served" through decades of enormous change in the world around her.

Charles recalled the great national moments the Queen was part of, but also the small ones, a smile, a kind word, or what he described as "that wonderful twinkle in the eye" when she shared a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in one of her last public appearances.

In the most personal passage of the speech, Charles suggested the Queen would not have been unconcerned about the state of the world today. "Much of what we are now experiencing I believe would have troubled her deeply. But I take comfort in her belief that good will always triumph, and that a brighter dawn is never far beyond the horizon," the King said.

He also recalled words from a 14-year-old Princess Elizabeth, who in her very first public radio address in 1940 said that we can all play our part in making tomorrow's world a better and happier place. "It is a belief I share with all my heart," Charles said.

The King concluded by renewing his own pledge of duty and service, and with a direct and personal message to his mother: "God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers."