On Her Majesty's 92nd birthday, members of the British Royal family gathered at the Royal Albert Hall for the Queen's Birthday Party - a night of music, song and celebration in honour of our beloved Monarch.
The concert comes at the end of a historic week which saw many Commonwealth leaders in London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Royal family were out in force for an array of receptions, meetings, audiences and a glittering State dinner. During her speech at the dinner the Queen said it remains a "great pleasure and honour to serve you" and to observe "with pride and satisfaction that this is a flourishing network". At the end of the summit, leaders decided Prince Charles will succeed his mother as Head of the Commonwealth.
Attendance was not announced before the concert, however, many of us felt sure Meghan would join Harry. It's been an important week for the couple, which saw Harry named Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. The Trust is the major beneficiary of tonight's concert. The roles will see the couple focus on highlighting young people and building links and initiatives at home and abroad. Of course, most importantly, Harry is incredibly close to his grandmother and Meghan, who has spent quite a bit of time with the monarch, described her as "incredible".
Harry and Meghan arrived with Prince William. Kate and William are expecting their third child any day now.
Today marks 71 years since the Queen, on her 21st birthday, committed her life to the Commonwealth during a broadcast made from Cape Town. "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." Harry referenced his grandmother's work during his CHOGM speech on Monday: "'On the day of her 21st birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth gave an extraordinary radio address from Cape Town. With an eye on the future, and an already unflinching sense of duty, she made a commitment. She said that whether her life be long or short, it would be dedicated to the service of the people of the Commonwealth. All of us here today can be grateful that it is a long life the Queen is still enjoying. Her Majesty's commitment has meant that the Commonwealth is a thriving family of nations, a common link between nearly two-and-a-half billion people, and a defender of democracy, justice and peace."
What followed, as we all know, was a lifetime of boundless service, duty and devotion. At 92, the Queen will not travel to another Commonwealth country again nor is it likely she will ever attend another CHOGM. In addition to celebrating her birthday, the focus tonight was very much on her life's work across the Commonwealth and is in many ways a fond farewell.
Harry and Meghan take their seats.
Applause as Her Majesty arrives.
The family were out in force to mark the occasion.
Meghan chatting with Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Laurence. During a recent interview he was asked if he had any advice for Meghan. He replied: "She's absolutely great and she certainly doesn't need any advice from me, but the simplest advice for all of us is 'just be yourself'. If she does that, she'll be fine,"
With celebratory performances by acts from across the world and stars from around the Commonwealth, it was the perfect end to the landmark week.
There was music from across the decades of Her Majesty’s reign. The George Formby Society captured the sound of the 1930s with a ukulele ensemble number; from the 1940s there were musical numbers from Oklahoma!; superstar tenor Alfie Boe celebrated the sound of Benny Goodman and the Swing era of the 1950s; and Sir Tom Jones sang hits from the 1960s. As well as their new collaboration, Sting & Shaggy sang numbers from the 1970s and 80s; and South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed tracks from the 1990s. Craig David presented a medley of hits from the noughties to present day, and stars Anne Marie and Shawn Mendes brought things right up to date with their hits 'Ciao Adios' and 'In My Blood'.
Harry and Meghan enjoying the concert.
More on the performances:
Harry and Meghan chatting.
Prince Harry took to the stage and spoke about the Queen's Commonwealth Trust."Tonight we are celebrating The Queen's Birthday but Your Majesty, if you do not mind me saying, you are not someone who is easy to buy gifts for. But I think we have the perfect present," Prince Harry said. ‘This organisation, in your name, will provide a platform for those working to make a difference in their communities across 53 countries. Happy Birthday Your Majesty.’
Sixteen-year-old Donel Mangena, a contestant on talent show The Voice, received a letter from Prince Harry asking him to perform tonight. Harry and Meghan posed backstage with the talented singer after the show.
Performers including Luke Evans, Kylie Minogue and Tom Jones sang What a Wonderful World followed by Happy Birthday.
At the end of the night, Prince Charles wishes "mummy" a Happy Birthday and asked for three cheers.
Balloons filled the stage.
A video.
You can view the entire concert below.
Sending Her Majesty the happiest of birthday wishes!
Meghan looked every inch the future royal in the Stella McCartney Blue Cape Dress (with thanks to the lovely ladies at What Meghan Wore). The stretch cady cape sleeved dress in midnight tone features a high neckline and concealed zip at back. It seems the piece has been sold out for some time. A similar McCartney cape dress remains available at Neiman Marcus and Harrods. The choice hits all the right notes for me; a very elegant understated look and a perfect choice for the occasion.
The designer confirmed via Twitter.
Meghan carried the gorgeous Naeem Khan Leo clutch (Meghan's starsign is Leo). The $1,490 Zodiac clutch is described as "Acrylic evening clutch with plated brass inlay and Swarovski crystals" (with many thanks to Laura).
A look at the mirrored interior.
Meghan wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in navy.
The talented What Meghan Wore received confirmation Meghan wore the £225 Shaun Leane Vermeil Talon earrings. Described as:"A strikingly elegant piece from the Signature Tusk Collection, these iconic double sided talon earrings in silver are the perfect balance of elegance and edge."
The brand also confirmed Meghan wore their Gold Diamond Signature Cuff and their Serpents Trace Bracelet which is not available yet.
If you're just joining us, Meghan was in a summery Self-Portrait dress for an Invictus reception this morning. Click here to view the post.
On Monday, Prince Harry and Meghan will attend the 25th Anniversary Memorial Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence.
The concert comes at the end of a historic week which saw many Commonwealth leaders in London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Royal family were out in force for an array of receptions, meetings, audiences and a glittering State dinner. During her speech at the dinner the Queen said it remains a "great pleasure and honour to serve you" and to observe "with pride and satisfaction that this is a flourishing network". At the end of the summit, leaders decided Prince Charles will succeed his mother as Head of the Commonwealth.
Attendance was not announced before the concert, however, many of us felt sure Meghan would join Harry. It's been an important week for the couple, which saw Harry named Commonwealth Youth Ambassador and President of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust. The Trust is the major beneficiary of tonight's concert. The roles will see the couple focus on highlighting young people and building links and initiatives at home and abroad. Of course, most importantly, Harry is incredibly close to his grandmother and Meghan, who has spent quite a bit of time with the monarch, described her as "incredible".
Harry and Meghan arrived with Prince William. Kate and William are expecting their third child any day now.
Today marks 71 years since the Queen, on her 21st birthday, committed her life to the Commonwealth during a broadcast made from Cape Town. "I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." Harry referenced his grandmother's work during his CHOGM speech on Monday: "'On the day of her 21st birthday, the then Princess Elizabeth gave an extraordinary radio address from Cape Town. With an eye on the future, and an already unflinching sense of duty, she made a commitment. She said that whether her life be long or short, it would be dedicated to the service of the people of the Commonwealth. All of us here today can be grateful that it is a long life the Queen is still enjoying. Her Majesty's commitment has meant that the Commonwealth is a thriving family of nations, a common link between nearly two-and-a-half billion people, and a defender of democracy, justice and peace."
What followed, as we all know, was a lifetime of boundless service, duty and devotion. At 92, the Queen will not travel to another Commonwealth country again nor is it likely she will ever attend another CHOGM. In addition to celebrating her birthday, the focus tonight was very much on her life's work across the Commonwealth and is in many ways a fond farewell.
Harry and Meghan take their seats.
Applause as Her Majesty arrives.
The family were out in force to mark the occasion.
Meghan chatting with Princess Anne's husband Sir Timothy Laurence. During a recent interview he was asked if he had any advice for Meghan. He replied: "She's absolutely great and she certainly doesn't need any advice from me, but the simplest advice for all of us is 'just be yourself'. If she does that, she'll be fine,"
With celebratory performances by acts from across the world and stars from around the Commonwealth, it was the perfect end to the landmark week.
There was music from across the decades of Her Majesty’s reign. The George Formby Society captured the sound of the 1930s with a ukulele ensemble number; from the 1940s there were musical numbers from Oklahoma!; superstar tenor Alfie Boe celebrated the sound of Benny Goodman and the Swing era of the 1950s; and Sir Tom Jones sang hits from the 1960s. As well as their new collaboration, Sting & Shaggy sang numbers from the 1970s and 80s; and South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo performed tracks from the 1990s. Craig David presented a medley of hits from the noughties to present day, and stars Anne Marie and Shawn Mendes brought things right up to date with their hits 'Ciao Adios' and 'In My Blood'.
Harry and Meghan enjoying the concert.
More on the performances:
Performing much-loved songs from musicals Oklahoma!, My Fair Lady and Top Hat were classically-trained singer and Call the Midwife actor Helen George; Welsh star of stage and screen, Luke Evans; and actor and 2008 Strictly Come Dancing champion Tom Chambers. Many of the performers were accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra, conducted by Musical Director Steve Sidwell.
Royal Central posted this screenshot of Harry and Meghan listening to Sting and Shaggy.
Harry and Meghan chatting.
Prince Harry took to the stage and spoke about the Queen's Commonwealth Trust."Tonight we are celebrating The Queen's Birthday but Your Majesty, if you do not mind me saying, you are not someone who is easy to buy gifts for. But I think we have the perfect present," Prince Harry said. ‘This organisation, in your name, will provide a platform for those working to make a difference in their communities across 53 countries. Happy Birthday Your Majesty.’
Sixteen-year-old Donel Mangena, a contestant on talent show The Voice, received a letter from Prince Harry asking him to perform tonight. Harry and Meghan posed backstage with the talented singer after the show.
Performers including Luke Evans, Kylie Minogue and Tom Jones sang What a Wonderful World followed by Happy Birthday.
Balloons filled the stage.
A video.
Princes Charles wishes “mummy” a very happy birthday. Cheers from all at @RoyalAlbertHall🎉 #QueenBirthdayParty pic.twitter.com/CfdM2HPd9V— Omid Scobie (@scobie) April 21, 2018
Sending Her Majesty the happiest of birthday wishes!
Meghan looked every inch the future royal in the Stella McCartney Blue Cape Dress (with thanks to the lovely ladies at What Meghan Wore). The stretch cady cape sleeved dress in midnight tone features a high neckline and concealed zip at back. It seems the piece has been sold out for some time. A similar McCartney cape dress remains available at Neiman Marcus and Harrods. The choice hits all the right notes for me; a very elegant understated look and a perfect choice for the occasion.
The designer confirmed via Twitter.
Meghan carried the gorgeous Naeem Khan Leo clutch (Meghan's starsign is Leo). The $1,490 Zodiac clutch is described as "Acrylic evening clutch with plated brass inlay and Swarovski crystals" (with many thanks to Laura).
A look at the mirrored interior.
Meghan wore her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps in navy.
The talented What Meghan Wore received confirmation Meghan wore the £225 Shaun Leane Vermeil Talon earrings. Described as:"A strikingly elegant piece from the Signature Tusk Collection, these iconic double sided talon earrings in silver are the perfect balance of elegance and edge."
The brand also confirmed Meghan wore their Gold Diamond Signature Cuff and their Serpents Trace Bracelet which is not available yet.
If you're just joining us, Meghan was in a summery Self-Portrait dress for an Invictus reception this morning. Click here to view the post.
On Monday, Prince Harry and Meghan will attend the 25th Anniversary Memorial Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Stephen Lawrence.