The king-to-be looked emotional as he paid a moving, personal tribute to the queen at the jubilee celebrations at the palace, calling her ‘Mama’ and thanking her for 70 years of serving the nation through good times and bad. Prince Charles smiled broadly as they discussed Her Majesty’s landmark reign, legacy and unwavering sense of duty.
The 73-year-old also paid a touching tribute to his late father, Prince Philip, describing him as the Queen’s “strength and endurance”.
In a touching moment, Charles spoke about his “much missed” late father, calling him “My papa” and saying the Queen’s late husband Philip is there “in spirit”.
As pictures of the Queen’s reign were displayed on the walls, Charles, 73, said the anniversary gave the country a chance to say thank you.
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Heir to the Throne Charles, who took the stage outside Buckingham Palace, told how the Queen has laughed and cried with the country over the decades as he hailed her “life of selfless service”.
The future king, who was also joined by his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, said of the absent monarch, who remains head of state despite her mobility issues at the age of 96: “You have promised to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver .”
The Prince, who began his heartfelt speech with “Your Majesty, Mummy” as he did at the Diamond and Golden Jubilee pop concerts, told the Queen: “You have been with us in our difficult times.
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“And you bring us together to celebrate moments of pride, joy and happiness.”
“They met us and talked to us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us throughout these 70 years. You promised to serve all your life, you keep delivering. That’s why we’re here.”
At Saturday’s show, Charles praised his mother and paid tribute to another absentee – his father, Prince Philip, who died last year aged 99.
Charles told the crowd of 22,000, with millions more watching on TV: “My dad would have enjoyed the show and wholeheartedly joined us in celebrating all you continue to do for your country and your people.
“You keep making history.”
The grounds of Buckingham Palace filled with cheers and applause as the Prince of Wales concluded his live address from Party at the Palace.
Charles asked the crowd to cheer loud enough for the Queen to hear 20 miles away in Windsor.
The concert, which took place on an extraordinary stage just outside the palace, featured world-renowned artists such as Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys and Duran Duran.
Queen guitarist Brian May, whose legendary group opened the night of celebrations, recalled being invited to also play at the Golden Jubilee concert.
He said ahead of tonight’s performance: “Twenty years after playing the glorious Queen’s Golden Jubilee, we are delighted to be invited back.
“Then there was a moment where I was wondering … after the roof of Buckingham Palace, where can you go? Well…you’ll see!”
Soul star Ross spoke of the Queen with awe while reminiscing about their past meetings.
Before the concert, she said: “I have had the privilege of meeting the Queen many times throughout my life, including when I have been with my family.
“Her Majesty continues to be an incredible inspiration to so many around the world and I was absolutely delighted to receive an invitation to perform on such a momentous and historic occasion.”
The stage didn’t just host musicians as a number of socialites were invited to pay their homage to the Queen.
Among them were naturalist Sir David Attenborough, tennis star Emma Raducanu and comedian Stephen Fry.
The concert took place on the third day of the Queen’s historic jubilee celebrations.
On Thursday she was in London to personally watch the RAF flight from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
She later returned to Windsor Castle, from where she directed the beacons across the country.
On Friday, she withdrew from Thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral after experiencing “some discomfort” the day before.
Today she watched the Epsom Derby from her apartment.
On Sunday, the final day of the celebrations, the Queen was tipped to travel back to London to watch in person the Platinum Pageant on the streets of London.
And it has been claimed she has another balcony appearance planned, this time only surrounded by her direct heirs Prince William, Prince Charles and Prince George.
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