London - Britain's King Charles II has recorded a tribute to his "darling Mama" to mark the centenary of her birth, but said much of life today would likely have "troubled her deeply."
Charles' video message in tribute to the nation's longest-reigning monarch describes how Elizabeth II "remained constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served."
He acknowledged the many challenges and issues nationally and across the globe that may have caused her reason for concern, and renewed his "own solemn pledge of duty and service to you all."
The late queen would have turned 100 on Tuesday, and the king said her existence should be celebrated as a "life well-lived" rather thanmarking an "absence" ahead of a series of royal events that will honour her.
"Much about the times we now live in, I suspect, may have troubled her deeply, but I take heart from her belief that goodness will always prevail and that a brighter dawn is never far from the horizon," the ling said in his message.
He added: "For, as a young Princess Elizabeth put it in her first-ever public broadcast, aged just 14, we can each play our part 'to make the world of tomorrow a better and happier place'.
"It is a belief which I share, with all my heart."
Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully at her Balmoral home aged 96 on September 8 2022, after serving as sovereign for 70 years and was mourned by her family and friends, and remembered by the nation.
For the woman who was never meant to be sovereign, the queen fulfilled her pledge to serve nation and Commonwealth, and came to earn the respect of many - from world leaders to the public.
She became one of the most iconic faces of the 20th century who epitomised much that was identified as British, while at home her love of horses and dogs defined the queen as much as her role as head of state.
In the video tribute, filmed in the library at Balmoral Castle in early April, the king adds: "Queen Elizabeth's promise with destiny kept' shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.
"Her near-century was one of remarkable change, and yet, through each passing decade, through every transformation, she remained constant, steadfast, and wholly devoted to the people she served.
"Millions will remember her for moments of national significance; many others for a fleeting personal encounter, a smile, a kind word that lifted spirits. or for that marvellous twinkle of the eye when sharing a marmalade sandwich with Paddington Bear in the final months of her life."
The highlight of the events later will see the royal family gather for a Buckingham Palace reception with charities and organisations associated with the late Queen invited, including Cancer Research UK, the Jockey Club, and the Army Benevolent Fund.
Guests will include some of the UK's oldest citizens celebrating their 100th birthday on April 21, with the king presenting their centenary cards in person.
Charles concluded his message by urging all to follow the lateQueen's "example" and improve the world around us: "So, young or old, and whatever our differences, let us therefore seek to follow thisexample as we make today not the marking of a milestone felt byabsence but the celebration of a life well-lived, and a legacy ofhope, as we strive together towards a 'better, happier tomorrow' -one rooted in peace, justice, prosperity and security."
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