You only turn 70 once and Prince Charles is rounding out his milestone celebrations with a royal party to end all parties!
After a jam-packed week of back-to-back birthday gatherings, including an A-list concert held in his honour called We Are Most Amused and Amazed, now it’s time to toast the next decade with his nearest and dearest royal loved ones at Buckingham Palace.
On Wednesday November 14, Charles’ actual birthday,
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Duchess Meghan, 37, who is expecting her first child, opted for a classic up-do with her dark locks parted to the side which meant her ornate silver earrings took pride of place.
She added a dramatic smokey eye, shimmering bronzer and a shiny nude lip.
Did someone say bling? Duchess Catherine’s statement earrings add the perfect amount of sparkle to her look. (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan arrive for a night of celebrations. (Image: Getty)
Prince William was behind the wheel as he drove Duchess Catherine into Buckingham Palace. (Image: Getty)
Her husband Prince Harry looked dapper behind the wheel as he drove them in, donning a stylish tux and his trademark Oura Ring.
In the next car, which was driven by a suited-up Prince William, Duchess Catherine, 36, cut a stunning figure with her brunette locks swept up into an intricate and layered bun with a voluminous quiff at the front.
We were given a glimpse of the mother-of-three’s sparkling antique earrings and the very hint of the top of her dress, which appeared to be a soft pink strapless creation.
Meghan opted for a pair intricate silver earrings. (Image: Getty)
A close-up look at the Duchess of Sussex’s dazzling gems. (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child next year. (Image: Dominic Lipinski/AP)
Man of the hour Prince Charles arrived to his do in a chauffeur-driven car with wife Duchess Camilla by his side, while the Queen met her son at the palace gates to wish him a happy birthday.
Although the party was a private affair, Clarence House shared a lovely behind-the-scenes photo of Charles and Camilla from inside the bash.
In the image, which was captured by royal snapper Chris Jackson, Charles beams alongside his wife, who looks elegant in a navy ball gown.
“The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House this evening before departing for The Prince’s 70th birthday event at Buckingham Palace,” Clarence House captioned the post.
Other notable royals pictured arriving for the reception and dinner, which is being thrown by he Queen in her son’s honour, include newlyweds Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank as well as Zara and Mike Tindall.
But it’s not just British royalty in attendance with several high-profile European royal dignitaries such as Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway all flying in for the occasion.
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The man of the hour, Prince Charles, arrives with wide Duchess Camilla. (Image: Dominic Lipinski/AP)
Fresh from their wedding, Jack and Eugenie arrive to celebrate with the future king. (Image: Getty)
At the dinner, the Queen toasted her son in a rare and heartfelt speech.
Here are her touching words, in full, which were shared on the Royal Family’s official website:
“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.
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.
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.”
“It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday,” the 92-year-old said in a touching toast to her son at the dinner. (Image: Getty)
