Royal Family remembers Queen Elizabeth II on 100th birthday

The Royal Family remembered the late Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birthday at a series of events.

King Charles and Queen Camilla first visited the new Royal Collection Trust exhibition, Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style, at Buckingham Palace.

They viewed what is being described as the most extensive presentation of the late monarch’s fashion ever created. Items on display include her christening robe, bridesmaid dresses, wedding dress and coronation dress. The King and Queen heard from Royal Collection Trust staff about the exhibit and spent time with designers who contributed pieces to the displays.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

They then joined Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other members of the Royal Family to view recommended designs for the Queen Elizabeth Memorial at the British Museum. Their Majesties saw a maquette of his mother in her 20s in her Order of the Garter robes, designed by architect Lord Norman Foster, as well as one of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Artwork displays and a short film were also viewed, which featured “imagery of elements of the design,” according to Buckingham Palace.

Later in the evening, the royals hosted a reception in Buckingham Palace’s Marble Hall. Many of the late Queen’s patronages had representatives in attendance, as did people turning 100 this year. King Charles presented the latter with their customary centenary cards. It is a tradition for the monarch to send a card to those who turn 100, but in this case, His Majesty was able to present them in person.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

There was also a rare appearance from Princess Alexandra, 89, who has been in poor health over the past few years.

There was also a rare appearance from Princess Alexandra, 89, who has been in poor health over the past few years. Others in attendance included the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and the Princess Royal.

The Princess Royal also officially opened The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park in the afternoon.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The Princess Royal also officially opened The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park. It is a new two‐acre space in the park that has been “created as a tranquil, fully accessible place for reflection in the heart of London.”

Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926 to the Duke and Duchess of York. Her father became monarch, taking the name King George VI, in 1936, and young Elizabeth became the heir presumptive. She ascended the throne upon her father’s death in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth II went on to be the longest-reigning British monarch in history, reigning for over 70 years before her death in 2022.