William and Catherine Honor Queen Elizabeth II on Her 100th Birthday with Rare Family Photos and Tribute

On what would have been Queen Elizabeth II’s 100th birthday, Prince William and Princess Catherine paid a heartfelt tribute to the late monarch by sharing rarely seen family photos and praising her “lifetime of duty.” The couple joined other members of the royal family in commemorating the centenary of her birth on April 21, 1926, with personal reflections and public engagements that highlighted her enduring legacy.

In an official Instagram post, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared a collection of archival and recent images featuring Queen Elizabeth II throughout her reign, including candid moments with their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. The post was accompanied by a message that read: “Remembering Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the 100th anniversary of her birth. Inspiring generations through a lifetime of duty.”

The tribute echoed sentiments expressed earlier by King Charles III, who recorded a personal video message at Balmoral reflecting on his mother’s life of service. In his message, the King noted that much about the current state of the world “may have troubled her deeply,” though he did not specify particular concerns. He described her reign as one marked by remarkable change, yet defined by her steadfast devotion to public service.

As part of the day’s commemorations, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the British Museum to view the final design of a new memorial to Queen Elizabeth II set to be installed in St James’s Park. The bronze statue, sculpted by Martin Jennings, depicts the late Queen in her younger years wearing the ceremonial robes of the Order of the Garter. Standing at 9.84 feet tall on an 11.15-foot plinth, the statue is inspired by a 1955 portrait by Pietro Annigoni and was unveiled on the exact date of her 100th birthday.

Lord Janvrin, chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, explained that the design intentionally portrays the monarch in her public role rather than focusing on personal pastimes such as horseback riding, which had been considered during early discussions. The memorial aims to honor her lifelong dedication to duty and service across the Commonwealth.

Elsewhere, Princess Anne honored her mother by opening The Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park and delivering a touching speech about the late Queen’s impact as the longest-reigning monarch in British history. King Charles also hosted a birthday party at Buckingham Palace for centenarians and visited the “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style” exhibition at The King’s Gallery, which showcases over 300 items from the late Queen’s wardrobe, including her iconic 1947 wedding dress.

Prince William and Catherine’s tribute stood out for its intimate glimpse into the royal family’s private memories, offering the public a rare look at cherished moments shared with the late Queen. Their message reinforced the widespread sentiment across the royal household: that Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy of duty, resilience, and grace continues to inspire generations.