Royal family to celebrate centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth

The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to join the King, Queen and other royals in marking the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth.

The late Queen’s life will be remembered during a series of events held around her birthday – April 21 – the date she would have turned 100.

Charles has reportedly written a speech for the occasion commemorating the 70-year reign of his mother and highlighting her legacy and service.

Queen Elizabeth died peacefully at her Balmoral home aged 96 on September 8 2022, after serving as sovereign for 70 years – the nation’s longest-reigning monarch – and was mourned by her family and friends and remembered by the nation.

For the woman who was never meant to be sovereign, the Queen fulfilled her pledge to serve nation and Commonwealth and came to earn the respect of many – from world leaders to the public.

The highlight of events will see the royal family gather for a Buckingham Palace reception on the day of Elizabeth’s birthday, with charities and organisations associated with the late Queen invited, including Cancer Research UK, the Jockey Club and the Army Benevolent Fund.

Guests will include some of the UK’s oldest citizens celebrating their 100th birthday on April 21, with the King presenting their centenary cards in person.

Earlier members of the monarchy will visit the British Museum to see a scale model of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial with architect Lord Foster, who won the bid to design the national monument, during a reception attended by the prime minister.

The memorial will also feature a “family of gardens” through St James’s Park with meandering paths and a new translucent, glass unity bridge.

During the day, the Princess Royal will officially open The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in London’s Regent’s Park and on April 20, the King and Queen will visit the new exhibition showcasing the late monarch’s wardrobe – Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, at The King’s Gallery.