Today marks 100 years since the birth of Queen Elizabeth II and, to mark the occasion, King Charles has shared a moving speech in honour of his 'darling mama.' In the video address, His Majesty praises his mother for being 'constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served' and says she has influenced countless people over her seven decade reign. 'You remain forever in our hearts and prayers,' he adds.
Queen Elizabeth II made history by serving for more than 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee shortly before her passing in 2022. Her Coronation Day took place in June of 1953 and was a monumental occasion, televised to more than 20 million people.
At the time, Her Majesty was 26 years old and a mother of two children. While Princess Anne was too young to attend the ceremony itself in Westminster Abbey, King Charles was allowed to join the celebrations. He was even presented with his own hand-painted invitation to the historic occasion.
A rarely seen black and white photograph from the day shows the four-year-old Prince looking a little bored, resting his cheek on his hand as he stands between his grandmother, the Queen Mother, and aunt, Princess Margaret. Looking at the image today, it feels remarkably familiar to photographs of Prince Louis from various public-facing engagements in more recent years.
One of the young Prince's most photographed public appearances was at the Jubilee Pageant, as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. His cheeky expressions and energetic behaviour were well documented by photographers, and saw him being coaxed and entertained by various family members. The King even sat his young grandson on his knee to try and keep him calm, and Prince Louis could be seen making Queen Camilla laugh. It was an adorable demonstration of the pair's close relationship, and a strikingly relatable scene for many families with young children around the world.
Back at Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation, Prince Charles was also kept entertained during the long events of the formal day. In his case, it was by his grandmother the Queen Mother. Books documenting the period explain how royal staff held up the train of the Queen Mother's long, formal robe for the children to sit on. She then walked up and down the corridor to give them a 'ride' and keep them happy during long waiting periods.
A photograph from the day also caught the moment a young King Charles snuck to the window to get a look at the crowds waiting outside. He later appeared on the balcony for the formal family greeting to the public, alongside his younger sister, Princess Anne, who was then able to join the family.
