Princess Alexandra made a notable appearance alongside senior members of the Royal Family as King Charles III led tributes to Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been the late sovereign’s 100th birthday.
The 89-year-old royal, whose public appearances have become increasingly rare in recent years, joined a full family turnout at Buckingham Palace for a special reception honouring the late Queen’s life and legacy.
A rare sighting of the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra today ❤️
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 21, 2026
Along with the Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Royal. pic.twitter.com/EuhhghWANo
Also present were Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, together with the Duke of Kent.
The reception, held in Buckingham Palace’s Marble Hall, brought together centenarians celebrating milestone birthdays of their own, as well as representatives from organisations closely associated with Queen Elizabeth II during her 70-year reign.
Guests included delegates from Cancer Research UK, British Red Cross, The Jockey Club, The Kennel Club and Army Benevolent Fund.
In a personal gesture, the King presented commemorative centenary cards to those celebrating their 100th birthdays, while a birthday cake was served in honour of his late mother.
Princess Alexandra’s attendance drew particular interest among royal observers. The Queen’s cousin has never formally announced retirement from royal duties, but her appearances have become infrequent and prompted speculation over whether she had quietly stepped back from public life.
Her presence at such a significant family occasion was therefore seen as both symbolic and warmly received, particularly given her longstanding loyalty to the Crown and many decades of service as a confidant to her cousin, Elizabeth II.
Earlier in the day, the King and Queen visited the British Museum to view designs for the forthcoming national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II, expected to be completed in 2028.
Buckingham Palace also released a moving recorded message from the King, filmed at Balmoral Castle, in which he reflected on “the life and loss of a Sovereign who meant so much to us all”.
He concluded with the words: “God bless you, darling Mama; you remain forever in our hearts and prayers.”
