Inside Buckingham Palace, the mood was one of a less formal reception and a more elegant celebration, as guests gathered to honor Queen Elizabeth.
Champagne flowed freely alongside a specially created “QEII tribute” cocktail, a non-alcoholic nod to the late Queen’s well-known preference for the Dubonnet, reimagined with lemon, rosemary and tonic.
Amid the celebrations, King Charles offered a glimpse of the future, sharing his enthusiasm for the proposed national memorial to his mother.
In reviewing the final designs, he highlighted the placement of a bronze statue by sculptor Martin Jennings along the mall, just before a tribute to Prince Philip.
A proposed bridge inspired by the Queen Mary Fringe Tiara, the diamond piece worn by the late Queen on her wedding day.
The design will feature a glass balustrade intended to shine gently above the lake at St James’s Park.
The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, led a rendition of “Happy Birthday” for three guests also celebrating their 100th birthday, presenting them with commemorative cards and sharing cake among around 190 attendees.
