King Charles prepares national address to mark Queen Elizabeth centenary

King Charles III is set to deliver a significant address to the nation and the Commonwealth on 21 April, to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The 77-year-old monarch, currently in residence at the Balmoral estate, will travel to London alongside Queen Camilla for a series of events honouring the life and legacy of Britain's longest-reigning sovereign.

The centrepiece of these tributes will be a special reception at Buckingham Palace, reuniting representatives from charities and organisations closely associated with the late Queen’s 70-year reign.

The King has reportedly taken a personal interest in the guest list, selecting individuals from hundreds of her former patronages, including Cancer Research UK and the British Red Cross.

Joining the King and Queen for the occasion will be senior members of the royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

The scheduled broadcast is expected to reflect on the late Queen’s "profound inspiration" and her lifelong commitment to public service.

Adding to the celebrations, a landmark exhibition titled Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life In Style opened at The King's Gallery on Friday.

The showcase features over 300 personal items, including her 1947 wedding dress and coronation robes, many of which are on public display for the first time.

This historic anniversary comes four years after the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which marked seven decades of her service before her passing at Balmoral in September 2022.