The guest list forPrince Charles’ 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palacemade sure to include the next generation.
Queen Elizabeth, who hosted the party, included friends ofPrince Williamand Kate Middleton — among them, two of Princess Charlotte’s godfathers, James Meade and Thomas van Straubenzee.
Also among the revelers: Thomas’ brother, Charlie van Straubenzee, who is close toPrince Harry; William and Kate’s pal Hugh van Cutsem, and his wife, Rose; young royals Freddie Windsor and his wife Sophie Winkleman (their daughter, Maud, is at school withPrince George); and Gabriella Windsor and her fiancé, Tom Kingston. Royal cousin Zara Tindall and her husband Mike were there too.
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.Chris Jackson/Clarence House via Getty
Kate Middleton and Prince William arriving at the 70th birthday party for Prince Charles.James Whatling/MEGA
The Queen knows William’s friends well, and in the past she has invited them for dinners at Sandringham House over the New Year holiday —typically when the group of pals gather to celebrate Princess Kate’s birthday in January or take part in hunting parties at the estate.
Mark Stewart Photography Ltd
Inside the party,Queen Elizabethmade asweet speechpraisingPrince Charles, noting that she was honored to be there to experience the milestone.
Press Association via AP Images
“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 monarch began. “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 favor — planting a tree and being able to watch it grow.”
“So this toast is to wish a happy birthday to my son, in every respect a duchy original,”Queen Elizabethconcluded, jokingly referring to thecompany which her son set up in 1990 to sell organic food products. “To you Charles. To the Prince of Wales.”
source: people.com
