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.”

Walkabout at Windsor this morning.

Today’s celebrations to mark the Queen’s 80th birthday come with an affection and enthusiasm not always seen in the public’s response to the Monarchy.

As The Times (London) puts it: “It is not simply that the nation’s head of state has reached a venerable age in good health and robust spirit, or that she continues to perform her duties with diligence, tact and aplomb; it is the sense that the Queen has come to embody qualities and values that are recognised as important to our society. And at a time of accelerating social, cultural and economic change, her enduring example of continuity, tolerance and moderation is of inestimable value.”

Since her Coronation with its solemn oath taken in Westminster Abbey in 1953, the Queen has upheld the values of chivalry and duty just as she said she would. For more than half a century, she has never wavered in this resolve. Her sense of loyalty, stoic reserve and respect for older values have never deserted her. In a fractious, restless age, she believes these qualities are intrinsic to the Monarchy, and many agree.

As time goes on and the world veers in unpredicable ways around chasms of disaster, her unchanging strength of character are becoming more and more appreciated, even by those with republican tendencies. The incessant corruption and weakness of our political leaders has diminished the State, but not her presence at its head.

There are those who would rename her “Elizabeth the Good” — the historian Andrew Roberts is one. Others, “Elizabeth the Great”. This website believes only one designation will do:

The BBC has just reported that, contrary to earlier claims, the Queen will not be moving from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Castle after her 80th birthday. Nor will she be cutting down on her duties.

The BBC’s Royal correspondent confirmed this in a report on a lunch at the Palace being held for dozens of people born on the same day, April 21, 1926, as the Queen herself.

In the same package, the BBC interviewed Margaret Rhodes, the Queen’s cousin and a close friend, who stated categorically that the Queen would work for as long as she is able, and will not abdicate in anyone’s favour.

The Queen riding at Windsor yesterday.

This was the scene yesterday when the Queen, undaunted by her approaching 80th birthday, rode for an hour, following the river around the grounds of Windsor Castle.

An onlooker commented: “For a woman of that age it is quite remarkable to ride for that length of time. She must be incredibly fit.”