Kate and William join Charles and Camilla in celebrating British centenarians at Buckingham Palace as Royal Family marks the late Queen’s 100th birthday
The King led a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for three men and women celebrating their centenaries on what would have been his own mother’s 100th birthday today.
Charles also personally gave them their special cards signed by himself and Queen Camilla, and helped to cut a cake which was distributed to 190 guests at Buckingham Palace.
Unusually he was accompanied by a full turnout of working royals, from youngest to oldest: the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and even the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra – the last two aged 90 and 89 respectively.
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Kate shared an emotional moment with 88-year-old George Cross hero Tony Gledhill, whom she hugged. He later explained that his wife had recently died, but had told him beforehand that he must attend the palace event regardless. Mr Gledhill said of Kate: ‘She was fantastic.’
The reception was designed to celebrate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II on the anniversary of her birth, including guests from 45 of the patronages she supported including Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross Society, Jockey Club, Royal Kennel Club and the Army Benevolent Fund.
The historic Marble Hall at his London residence – one of the only public areas still open during the final stages of the palace’s refurbishment – had been decorated to look like a street party, with bunting hanging from the ceiling and paintings.
It was previously used for last year’s VJ Day commemorations and was made by household staff from old pieces of historic curtains and drapes.
Guests were treated to champagne and a special QEII ‘tribute’ cocktail made from her favourite Dubonnet. The traditional gin had been left out because it was a ‘daytime’ event and replaced with lemon juice, rosemary and tonic.
The Prince and Princess of Wales during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London today. Wowing in an Emilia Wickstead dress, Kate was wearing Queen Elizabeth’s pearl necklace and earrings
The Prince and Princess of Wales during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London today. Wowing in an Emilia Wickstead dress, Kate was wearing Queen Elizabeth’s pearl necklace and earrings
(From left) The Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, the Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace in London
(From left) The Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, the Princess of Wales, the Prince of Wales, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, the Princess Royal, the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Alexandra and the Duchess of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace in London
The Princess of Wales with guest Tony Gledhill during the reception at Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales with guest Tony Gledhill during the reception at Buckingham Palace
The Princess of Wales hugs 88-year-old George Cross hero Tony Gledhill during the reception
The Princess of Wales hugs 88-year-old George Cross hero Tony Gledhill during the reception
The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales today
The Duke of Edinburgh, Princess of Wales, Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince of Wales today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with a 100th birthday cake at Buckingham Palace today
King Charles III and Queen Camilla with a 100th birthday cake at Buckingham Palace today
The Princess Royal during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
The Princess Royal during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
Charles and Camilla stand next to centenarians who are celebrating their 100th birthdays today
Charles and Camilla stand next to centenarians who are celebrating their 100th birthdays today
The Duke of Kent at the event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
The Duke of Kent at the event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
The Duchess of Gloucester during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
The Duchess of Gloucester during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London this afternoon
Princess Alexandra at the event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
Princess Alexandra at the event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
Stands showing portraits of the late monarch visiting each of the charities lined the halls and the Band of the Household Cavalry played a series of jolly modern tunes.
A Paddington Bear could be seen peeking out from behind three Queen Elizabeth II roses created by Harkness Roses in 2021, gifts for the birthday guests of honour from the Royal Horticultural Society.
The King and Queen led the royal party in from the gardens as the band played, encouraging guests to sing a verse of Happy Birthday.
He bent down to speak to birthday girl Mary Wood from Yatton in North Somerset, who insisted trying to get up from her wheelchair to greet him.
Born in Wolverhampton, Mrs Wood trained as a nurse at Corbett Hospital in Stourbridge and enjoyed a lifelong career in nursing. She had two sons, David and Nicholas, with her late husband, Victor.
‘Is it your birthday today?’ he asked as he gave her a card. ‘Oh how wonderful. The same as my Mama. That’s marvellous!’
Queen Camilla told her: ‘You don’t look old enough to be one hundred!’
Mrs Wood told her the secret was eating well in her youth. ‘Good food as I grew up,’ she said.
The Queen told her she also ate ‘good plain food’ when she was a child as well.
Mrs Wood said afterwards: ‘I came here to meet the late Queen when she celebrated her 80th birthday as mine was also on the same day.
‘And now I have met her son. It’s been wonderful and so unexpected. I have followed the Royal Family my whole life.’
The King and Queen were followed by the Prince and Princess of Wales down the line, bending down to chat to the three centenarians. Catherine wore a pretty lavender dress and her hair loose with pearls.
The Princess of Wales during the reception at Buckingham Palace to remember the Queen
The Princess of Wales during the reception at Buckingham Palace to remember the Queen
The reception in London today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth
The reception in London today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth