LONDON, April 21, 2026
King Charles III paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in a heartfelt video message marking what would have been her 100th birthday, acknowledging her enduring influence and expressing his belief that she would have been "deeply troubled" by aspects of the modern world.
A Monarch’s Legacy
Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 96 at her Scottish estate, Balmoral Castle, reigned for over 70 years—longer than any other British monarch in history. Her life and legacy continue to resonate, particularly on milestones such as this centenary.
In his video message, recorded earlier in April in the castle’s library, King Charles reflected on his mother’s early years, including her first public address at just 14 years old. "Schon damals habe sie gesagt, dass jeder dazu beitragen könne, 'die Welt von morgen zu einem besseren und glücklicheren Ort zu machen'," he said, quoting her youthful optimism. The message, distributed by the Press Association (PA), highlighted her lifelong commitment to service and her belief in the power of collective good.
A Time of Reflection
Charles acknowledged the complexities of the present day, suggesting his mother would have found much to unsettle her. "Vieles in der Zeit, in der wir heute leben, hätte sie, so vermute ich, zutiefst beunruhigt, doch ich schöpfe Zuversicht aus ihrem Glauben, dass das Gute immer siegen wird," he said. Despite these challenges, he drew strength from her unwavering faith in the triumph of goodness.