The Queen received the heartfelt thanks of her family and the nation for 70 years of service during her Jubilee Party at the Palace – and a special tribute from Paddington Bear.
Charles spoke movingly about the Queen calling her “Mummy” and described how “you laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us…” in a speech to thousands of spectators in The Mall.
The monarch was poignantly missing from the star-studded show in the shadow of Buckingham Palace, but the prince said she would be watching “with much emotion” and he emphasised her dedication saying: “That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight.”
Charles said in his speech: “The scale of this evening’s celebration – and the outpouring of warmth and affection over this whole Jubilee weekend – is our way of saying thank you – from your family, the country, the Commonwealth, in fact the whole world.
“On behalf of us all, I wanted to pay my own tribute to your lifetime of selfless service.”
Charles, who began his heartfelt speech with “Your Majesty, Mummy” just as he did at the Diamond and Jubilee pop concerts, went on to tell the Queen: “You have been with us in our difficult times.
“And you bring us together to celebrate moments of pride, joy and happiness.
“You have met us and talked with us. You laugh and cry with us and, most importantly, you have been there for us, for these 70 years.
“You pledged to serve your whole life – you continue to deliver. That is why we are here. That is what we celebrate tonight.”
The Duke of Cambridge also took to the stage and hailed the Platinum Jubilee concert as full of “optimism and joy” as he praised the Queen for her “hope” in the future of the planet.
A host of stars and world figures paid tribute to the Queen in pre-recorded messages with Beatles star Sir Paul McCartney, 79, telling the monarch: “I love you like many other people, so congratulations and thank you for 70 beautiful years.”
James Bond star Craig said: “Your Majesty, thank you for your continued presence in our lives, for your leadership, and for your unwavering grace and poise.”
The actor, 54, also referenced the memorable sketch from the London 2012 Olympic Games where it appeared Craig had jumped out of a helicopter with the Queen.
Recalling the moment, he added: “I will follow you anywhere Ma’am, out of any helicopter door.”
