Prince William reveals family’s pride in King Charles as he pays tribute to late grandmother at coronation concert
PRINCE William took to the stage at last night’s star studded Coronation concert and paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth.
To huge cheers from a delighted 20,000-strong crowd he said of his grandma: “I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us.”
He added: “She would be a proud mother” as he described his family’s collective pride in King Charles — his “Pa”.
Wills also pledged to “serve” as he stepped into his father’s shoes as the Prince of Wales.
Millions of viewers in 100 countries worldwide were watching and William gave a “huge thank you” to “everyone for making this such a special evening”.
A sea of Union Jacks was on show for the spectacular gig in front of Windsor Castle.
On a awesome night of uplifting and moving performances viewers were also treated to some stunning visual images.
The incredible music festival was backed by a world-class 70-piece orchestra on the 95m wide super-structure far bigger than the stages used for other historic occasions such as Live Aid and the Platinum and Jubilee celebrations.
The 25m -tall structure was powered by 33 miles of cable, and boasted 800 lights and a 52m wide circular screen.
Giant 13m catwalks at the diagonals created a Union Jack shape — allowing fans to be closer to the A-list performers.
Charles, 75, and Camilla, 74, joined VIPs including Princess of Wales, 41, Princess Charlotte, eight, and nine-year-old Prince George in the Royal Box on the Berkshire castle’s incredible East Lawn.
But this time Prince Louis, five, stayed at home as it was past his bedtime.
Lionel Richie had the royal party up dancing to All Night Long.
Spectators were singing, waving flags and raising illuminated mobile phones as he performed.
They continued to bop along as Katy Perry and Take That ensured the party night — hosted by Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville — had a rip-roaring finale.
Charles’ love of the arts was reflected in a wide range of acts and performances — with pre-recorded sketches and tributes from an array of stars mixed in.
Charles had watched on proudly as his son paid tribute to the fact he has been campaigning for a greener world since the 1960s
William told the show: “Take the natural world. He warned us of the risks to our planet’s health long before it was an everyday issue.
“Or the Prince’s Trust. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realise their ambitions.
“And, perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported.” To further huge cheers, William said: “Pa, we are all so proud of you.”
A string of royals were out in force for the concert including the shamed Prince Andrew, 63, who also appeared at the Coronation despite being stripped of his royal roles in disgrace over his links to dead paedo pal Jeffrey Epstein.
His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, 63, also joined the party as one of the VIPs after failing to secure an invite to the Abbey.
His daughter Eugenie and Beatrice, with partners Jack Brooksbank and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, also joined the elite group.
Princess Anne’s son Peter Phillips and partner Lindsay Wallace attended, alongside Peter’s two daughters Isla and Savannah.
Prince Edward and Princess Sophie, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, flanked by children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, waved at pals as they took their seats in the box.
Other VIPs to join the box included PM Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murty — who sat behind William and Kate.
Deputy PM Oliver Dowden and wife Blythe and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with wife Victoria were also there.
Prince Harry, 38, was missing after flying back to California just hours after the Coronation to celebrate son Archie’s fourth birthday.
Onlookers at the gig said it was a night to remember.
A dazzling display of drones formed a large whale which had the crowd gasping.
Robyn Kelly, 56, said: “I nearly burst into tears at the whale. It was extraordinary. It’s incredible. It was better than fireworks.
Primary school teacher Beth Irving, 28, from Uxbridge, came with mum Sian, from Liverpool.
Sian, a nurse, said: “It’s great. We’ve had such a great time. The atmosphere was amazing. The whole weekend has been amazing and quite magical.”
WILLIAM'S SPEECH
Good evening, Your Majesties.
Good evening, Windsor!
A huge thank you to everyone for making this such a special evening.
I want to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important.
But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long.
As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future.
And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a proud mother.
For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message: Service.
My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service.
It was a pledge to continue to serve.
Because for over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.
Take the natural world. He warned us of the risks to our planet’s health long before it was an everyday issue.
Or the Prince’s Trust. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realise their ambitions.
And, perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported.
Pa, we are all so proud of you.
I also want to express my pride and gratitude for the millions of people who serve, in the forces, in classrooms, hospital wards and local communities.
I wish I could mention you all.
Your service inspires us,
And tonight we celebrate you too.
I commit myself to serve you all.
King, Country and Commonwealth.
God Save The King!