The Queen’s unexpected comment about Prince Charles in emotional speech
With Prince Charles turning 70, no one could be prouder of his achievements than his own mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Hosting a party on Wednesday night at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the monumental occasion, the Queen gave a heartfelt tribute to her eldest son and the heir to the throne.
In what was considered a rare occasion of public affection, the Queen spoke fondly of her son and said it was a “privilege” to be able to celebrate the milestone with Prince Charles.
“It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday. It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like – to use an analogy I am certain will find favour – planting a tree and being able to watch it grow,” she said.
“My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out. Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader – a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history – and a wonderful father,” she continued.
“Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So, this toast is to wish a happy birthday to my son, in every respect a duchy original. To you Charles. To the Prince of Wales,” she concluded.
Many were surprised to hear the Queen mention the Duchess of Cornwall in her speech, as it is said that the pair don’t get along after author Tom Bower mentioned an argument between the two in his unauthorised biography Rebel Prince: The Power, Passion and Defiance of Prince Charles.
But after giving an emotional toast, it seems as if there is no bad blood between the Queen and her daughter-in-law.
The Queen’s tribute to Prince Charles was posted across official royal Instagram accounts and other social media platforms, along with photographs of the pair throughout the years.