This week saw a historic anniversary that brought together the working Royal Family: the 100th anniversary of the birth of Elizabeth II.
There was of course no grand spectacle, but a set of official events and engagements that reflected on the decades of her life in service, with a few personal touches along the way.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the commemorations, beginning at Buckingham Palace and The King’s Gallery, to visit the ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style’ exhibition.
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The couple were joined by some wider family members, such as Lady Sarah Chatto, and staff who had helped pull the display together to explore the communication of Elizabeth through her wardrobe, from her diplomatic dressing on foreign tours, to her wedding dress and coronation gown, to military uniforms and ‘off-duty’ looks.
I am told this is an exhibition she did not want to be shown while she was still alive…
It brings together over 300 items showcasing the style of Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch, and her personal touches and influence in the process of garment creation.
Following this, they headed to the British Museum to view plans for the official memorial to mark the life of Elizabeth II; one of the more forward-looking elements of the day, and a reminder that such an anniversary within an institution like the Monarchy is as much about legacy and public visibility as it is about reflection.
The royal party was accompanied by the Prime Minister and members of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, including its Chair, Lord Janvrin.
It was the first glimpse of the memorial designs in detail, which will include a glass bridge inspired by Queen Mary’s fringe tiara and standing statues of both Elizabeth and her consort, Prince Philip.
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In a separate event, Princess Anne officially opened The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in The Regent’s Park, which has been created as a ‘tranquil and fully accessible space for reflection’, spanning two acres in the central London park.
Alongside these appearances, The King released a message paying tribute to his mother’s life and service, drawing on the familiar themes of duty, stability, and long-standing commitment that have come to define how Elizabeth II is remembered publicly.
The day concluded with a reception at Buckingham Palace, where Charles and Camilla were joined by working Royals: The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Princess Royal, The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester – plus a rare appearance from the ‘retired’ members of the clan.
The Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, who are siblings, are both not seen frequently. Alexandra has handed over almost all of her patronages and effectively ceased working in the last year or two. They are 90 and 89 respectively, with Prince Edward having lost his wife, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, in September.
The Duke is seen publicly every few months at some official occasion, but the Court Circular shows he has completed 12 engagements this year so far.
The family reception brought together charities and organisations connected to the late Queen – including Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross Society, Jockey Club, Royal Kennel Club and the Army Benevolent Fund – as well as those also turned 100 on 21st April 2026.
The King and Queen cut a large cake with ‘100’ written on the front to mark the event, which had been created in the palace kitchens.
The Princess of Wales was spotted in the late Queen’s iconic pearl strands as she chatted to guests, including a George Cross recipient, former police officer Tony Gledhill, who got emotional discussing his wife’s dying wish that he attended the reception at the palace.
Catherine asked him to keep in touch and write to her, if he wanted to.
Queen Camilla joked with one centenarian, Mary Wood, a former nurse from Somerset, that she didn’t ‘look old enough to be 100!’
William did the same, jesting they should call security as one attendee, Joan, must have ‘snuck in’ and could simply not be 100 years old.
A new charity has also been formed to remember the late Queen, and her official biographer has been chosen.
There is a long-standing tradition of such ‘living memorials’ after the death of British Monarchs; for example, the King George V playing fields project was set after 1936 up to protect recreational grounds across the country.
