The royals have carried out a number of engagements to mark a century since the birth of the Queen, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, on April 21, 2026.
The celebrations started n Monday evening when King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, the landmark exhibition being staged at the King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. They were joined for the private tour by the King’s much-loved cousin, Lady Sarah Chatto, daughter of Princess Margaret.
At midnight, Buckingham Palace released a moving speech by His Majesty, who acknowledged that, while his “darling mama” would have been “troubled deeply” by current affairs, viewers should follow in her example and “strive together towards a better, happier tomorrow—one rooted in peace, justice, prosperity and security.”
The Princess of Wales meets guests at the party celebrating the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II
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On Tuesday morning Princess Anne was in Regent’s Park to honor her mother, officially opening the two-acre Queen Elizabeth II Garden, designed as a site of quiet contemplation in the park. The Princess Royal, dressed in a bright orange coat, which she paired with a palm-leaf brooch, was greeted by Dr. Linda Yeuh, the chair of the Royal Parks, and was shown around the Garden by representatives and gardeners from the newly opened project.
Later, it was a show of senior royals as Duke and Duchess of Gloucester joined the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Sarah Chatto to accompany the King and Queen to the British Museum, where the group viewed the final design for the national memorial to the late Queen.
The Memorial, which will be built at the Marlborough Gate of St James’ Park, will take the form of a statue of the late Queen, which will stand alongside a statue of Prince Philip. Furthermore, the Blue Bridge across the park’s lake will be replaced by a new bridge, inspired by one of Queen Elizabeth’s tiaras.
The day ended with the reception at Buckingham Palace, which was attended by people who are also celebrating their centenary year.
Originally appeared in Tatler.