King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royal family’s public tribute on what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, with engagements in London that blended remembrance, design and family unity. The day centered on plans for a national memorial, the opening of a new garden in Regent’s Park, and a Buckingham Palace reception attended by senior royals. Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, joined the occasion, while Princess Anne carried out a separate engagement tied to the late monarch’s legacy of service and duty.
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King Charles Backs Memorial Design at British Museum
At the British Museum, the King and Queen were shown the final design recommendation for the memorial to the late Queen in St James’s Park. The proposal includes a glass-and-steel bridge inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding tiara, landscaped gardens, sculpture and figurative works of both the late monarch and Prince Philip. According to Hello Magazine, Charles warmly approved the concept as he viewed the display. "Fantastic," said the King according to Hello Magazine. He also praised the bridge idea, linking it directly to the tiara his mother wore on her wedding day.
Prince William and Kate Join Buckingham Palace Reception
Later, William and Kate returned to the spotlight for the palace reception in Marble Hall, where guests gathered to honor the late Queen’s patronage work and seven-decade reign. Catherine wore a pale pink gown and appeared to include pearls associated with Queen Elizabeth II, adding a personal note to the appearance. A new family portrait shared by the royal household also placed Charles and Camilla at the center, surrounded by relatives in a more relaxed recreation of a formal coronation image. The photograph underlined continuity across generations at a moment of reflection.
Princess Anne Opens Queen Elizabeth II Garden
While senior royals assembled in central London, Princess Anne attended the opening of the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park. The public space is set to open on 27 April and forms part of the wider centenary commemorations taking place across the country. Anne also received a metal rose linked to the garden during the visit. The engagement gave the day a broader public dimension, extending the tribute beyond palace walls. It also reflected the practical tone often associated with the Princess Royal’s schedule and her support for memorial projects.
Lady Sarah Chatto and the Edinburghs Add Personal Touches
Other members of the family added quieter but meaningful elements to the day. Lady Sarah Chatto made a rare public appearance alongside the King, Queen, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at the museum presentation. Sophie’s cream Gabriela Hearst dress featured an equestrian motif, while Prince Edward wore a horse-patterned tie, both subtle nods to Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong love of riding. As reported by Hello Magazine, the palace reception also included a non-alcoholic cocktail inspired by the late Queen’s preferred Dubonnet mix, along with music and handmade bunting created from repurposed historic fabrics.
