King Charles III of Great Britain made an emotional speech in honor of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, during what was supposed to be her 100th birthday. He described Elizabeth II as a steady and resilient force.
In a recorded message released on Tuesday, the 77-year-old monarch referred to her as “darling mama” and reflected on the values that shaped her reign. The tribute coincided with the unveiling of the final design plan for a national memorial dedicated to the late queen.
Elizabeth II passed away last September at the age of 96 years old. She was the longest reigning monarch of Great Britain, having ruled for 70 years.
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A tribute rooted in duty and memory
As King Charles explained, his mother never wavered in her dedication to serving the public, right through her lifetime. At the same time, King Charles recalled her eternal optimism and how she always believed that no matter what, hope and good would triumph over evil.
From her teenage days, he cited an instance where she had talked about working to build a better future, an aspiration that continues to guide him. This tribute comes at a very significant time, as the royals have gone through some difficult experiences recently.
Memorial plans unveiled in London
Alongside the tribute, plans for a permanent memorial to Queen Elizabeth II were formally revealed.
The design includes a prominent bronze statue of the young queen, created by sculptor Martin Jennings and inspired by a well-known 1955 portrait by Italian artist Pietro Annigoni. The statue will stand at the entrance of St James’s Park, near Buckingham Palace, atop a structure rising over seven metres.
“God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers.”
A special tribute from His Majesty The King on what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday.
Watch in full on The Royal Family YouTube channel: https://t.co/u8jeiFocT5 pic.twitter.com/G8okauVtPZ
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) April 20, 2026
The memorial will also feature landscaped gardens, walking paths and a translucent glass “unity bridge”, designed to reflect elements of her wedding tiara. A separate statue of Prince Philip in naval uniform will be placed nearby, symbolising their enduring partnership.
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Members of the royal family are expected to review scale models of the memorial at the British Museum.
A reign shaped by history
Elizabeth II, born on April 21, 1926, did not set out to be queen but was groomed for the role due to the abdication in 1936. This occurred after her uncle, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne to have marriage freedom, which resulted in her father George VI taking up the position.
Following George VI’s death in 1952, Elizabeth became queen at the age of 25, beginning a reign that would span decades of political, social and technological change.
