King Charles Filmed Speech for Queen Elizabeth's 100th Birthday in a Sentimental Royal Residence

Janine HenniTue, April 21, 2026 at 4:33 PM UTC

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King Charles and Queen Elizabeth at Trooping the Colour on June 2, 2022Credit: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty -

King Charles recorded his speech commemorating the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's birth in a poignant place

The King reflected on his late mother's legacy and her unwavering dedication during her record-breaking 70-year reign

King Charles attended several events this week in recognition of her posthumous centennial

King Charles recorded his speech commemorating Queen Elizabeth's posthumous centennial in a meaningful place.

Queen Elizabeth would have turned 100 on April 21 and on her birthday at midnight in the U.K., Buckingham Palace released an emotional speech that her son and successor the King filmed to remember his "beloved mother’s 100th birthday."

King Charles, 77, recorded the broadcast in the Library of Balmoral Castle in early April 2026, capturing the address in the castle where she died.

Queen Elizabeth died at age 96 on Sept. 8, 2022, at her beloved Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, making it a touching tribute for the King to film the commemorative address there.

Princess Anne, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles at Balmoral Castle in September 1960.Credit: Bettmann Archive/Getty

Balmoral Castle was one of two homes the late Queen privately owned and where she spent the end of her final summer as her health reportedly began to decline.

Commenting on what Balmoral meant to her grandmother, Princess Eugenie said in the 2016 documentary Our Queen at Ninety, "I think Granny is the most happy there. I think she really, really loves the Highlands."

The late Queen was in the record-breaking 70th year of her royal reign when she died, and Charles immediately acceded to the throne upon her death.

Framed photos of the iconic monarch were displayed behind the King in his recorded address, where he reflected on her life and legacy.

"Today, as we mark what would have been my beloved mother’s 100th birthday, my family and I pause to reflect on the life and loss of a sovereign who meant so much to us all and to celebrate anew the many blessings of her memory," he began.

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"Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond. Her near-century was one of remarkable change and yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served," King Charles continued, in part.

The sovereign said that his late mother would have been concerned, in some ways, with the state of the world today, but would have taken faith in the promise of a better tomorrow.

King Charles recording a video message to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth.Credit: Handout/The Royal Family/PA Wire via Getty

"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," said King Charles. "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 went on to emphasize his own commitment to the crown and Commonwealth, taking a moment to "renew my own solemn pledge of duty and service to you all" and signing off with a heartfelt close.

"God bless you, darling Mama, you remain forever in our hearts and prayers," said King Charles.

King Charles and Queen Camilla (center) with royal family members at Buckingham Palace in London to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's birth on April 21, 2026.Credit: Aaron Chown/PA Images via Getty

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The King and Queen Camilla kicked off the charge on April 20 in representing the royal family at the first official event commemorating the late Queen's birthday. The royal couple visited the landmark exhibit of her fashion, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, at Buckingham Palace on Monday, and continued the celebrations on Tuesday by viewing the design recommendations for the upcoming Queen Elizabeth Memorial, slated to be unveiled in St. James's Park in London in 2028.

From there, King Charles and Queen Camilla, 78, attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's birth, hosting the event alongside Prince William, Kate Middleton, Princess Anne, Prince Edward, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh and more working royals.

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's birth with a special edition of PEOPLE featuring stories about her life and legacy, on sale now.

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