April 21, (THEWILL) — King Charles III has paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on what would have been her 100th birthday on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
In a video message, the King described her as his “darling mama” and praised her lifelong service, saying she remained “constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served.”
Reflecting on the present day, he said:
“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.”
He also recalled her words as a young princess:
“For, as a young Princess Elizabeth put it in her first ever public broadcast, aged just 14, we can each play our part ‘to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place’. It is a belief which I share, with all my heart.”
The King said the day should be a celebration of a “life well-lived.”
The tribute was recorded at Balmoral Castle, where the Queen spent her final days.
Events are planned to mark the occasion, including a royal reception at Buckingham Palace with charities linked to the late Queen. Members of the royal family are also expected to visit the British Museum to view plans for a memorial in her honour.
The memorial will include statues of the Queen and her late husband, Prince Philip, along with gardens and a glass bridge inspired by her wedding tiara.
Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022 at the age of 96 after a 70-year reign.
Evi Ben Ezaga writes on entertainment, culture, and trending stories.
