The Prince of Wales addressed the nation tonight in a warm tribute to his mother, the Queen, filmed at his Highland retreat of Birkhall in Scotland. He thanked his mother for “an entire lifetime of service and dedication to her country”.

“There is no doubt that the world in which my mother grew up and, indeed, the world in which she first became Queen, has changed beyond all recognition,” the Prince said.

“But during all those years she has shown the most remarkable steadfastness and fortitude, always remaining a figure of reassuring calm and dependability — an example to so many of service, duty and devotion in a world of sometimes bewildering change and disorientation.

“For very nearly 60 of those 80 years she has been my darling Mama and my sentiments today are those of a proud and loving son who hopes that you will join with me in wishing the Queen the happiest of happy birthdays.”