Kate and William join Charles and Camilla in celebrating British centenarians at Buckingham Palace as Royal Family marks the late Queen’s 100th birthday
The King led a rousing rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’ for three men and women celebrating their centenaries on what would have been his own mother’s 100th birthday today.
Charles also personally gave them their special cards signed by himself and Queen Camilla, and helped to cut a cake which was distributed to 190 guests at Buckingham Palace.
Unusually he was accompanied by a full turnout of working royals, from youngest to oldest: the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and even the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra – the last two aged 90 and 89 respectively.
Kate shared an emotional moment with 88-year-old George Cross hero Tony Gledhill, whom she hugged. He later explained that his wife had recently died, but had told him beforehand that he must attend the palace event regardless. Mr Gledhill said of Kate: ‘She was fantastic.’
The reception was designed to celebrate the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II on the anniversary of her birth, including guests from 45 of the patronages she supported including Cancer Research UK, the British Red Cross Society, Jockey Club, Royal Kennel Club and the Army Benevolent Fund.
The historic Marble Hall at his London residence – one of the only public areas still open during the final stages of the palace’s refurbishment – had been decorated to look like a street party, with bunting hanging from the ceiling and paintings.
It was previously used for last year’s VJ Day commemorations and was made by household staff from old pieces of historic curtains and drapes.