Tuesday marked an emotional day for royal fans and family members alike, as tributes were paid to the late Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birthday.
After a busy day of engagements led by King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales returned to duties following a three-week Easter break to attend a reception in the Marble Hall at Buckingham Palace.
They were joined by more than 200 guests, including representatives from the Queen’s patronages such as Cancer Research UK and the British Red Cross, as well as fellow centenarians who, like the late monarch, are celebrating their 100th year.
While guests reflected on the Queen’s legacy, the Princess of Wales shared a particularly touching moment with one attendee that is sure to bring a tear to your eye in the video above.
Kate Middleton’s heartwarming moment
The Princess, who wore an elegant pink A-line dress by Emilia Wickstead, was seen sharing a heartfelt exchange with 88-year-old Tony Gledhill.
The retired Metropolitan Police officer was awarded the George Cross in 2008 for subduing armed criminals in 1966. During their conversation, he clutched the Princess’s arms as they spoke closely.
© Andrew Parsons / Kensington PalaceIn a moving moment, Kate leaned in to hug Tony, before gently holding both his hands as he appeared overwhelmed with gratitude. Tony later revealed that he had told the Princess he had recently lost his wife of 67 years, who had urged him to attend the palace event before she died.
The George Cross recipient also spoke with Prince William and King Charles, and later reflected on his encounter, saying: “The princess was lovely, she was fantastic.”
A day of remembrance
The commemorative reception was attended by the King and Queen, alongside the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, 90, and Princess Alexandra, 89.
The senior royals gathered for a family portrait to mark the occasion, with the King and Queen at the centre and the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra seated on either side.
© PA Images via Getty ImagesThe reception celebrated the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022 aged 96, and included 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.
Earlier in the day, the King released a video tribute to his “darling Mama” from Balmoral, describing the anniversary as a moment to “reflect on the life and loss of a Sovereign who meant so much to us all and to celebrate anew the many blessings of her memory.”
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