On April 21, 2026, Buckingham Palace hosted a significant reception to commemorate what would have been Queen Elizabeth’s 100th birthday. The event was graced by members of the royal family, including Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and his sister Princess Alexandra, who are lesser-known figures within the institution but hold a unique place due to their connection to the late monarch.
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Prince Edward, 90, and Princess Alexandra, 89, are the children of Prince George, the previous Duke of Kent, and Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark. As first cousins of Queen Elizabeth, the siblings’ appearance together for this occasion provided a rare opportunity for the public to catch a glimpse of them engaging with contemporary members of the royal family, confirmed by their presence alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The reception was notable not only for its celebration of Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable life and legacy but also for its inclusion of centenarians marking their own 100th birthdays. This blend of age and heritage underscored the impact of the late Queen, who reigned for 70 years before her passing in September 2022. The event showcased representatives from various patronages associated with her, encapsulating the breadth of her influence.
Held in the opulent Marble Room of Buckingham Palace, the gathering provided an intimate setting for royal family members to connect and reminisce. Photographs taken at the event reveal that Prince Edward and Princess Alexandra were seen enjoying each other’s company, a pleasant sight given their limited public appearances. The pair, along with their brother Prince Michael of Kent, are all engaged in royal duties, albeit to varying extents. While Prince Edward continues to actively participate in royal engagements, both Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael have gradually stepped back from their public roles in recent years.
The reception also served as a logistical reminder of the diminished number of working royals, a reality shaped by several high-profile withdrawals from royal duties. Notably, Prince Andrew’s departure from public life followed controversial revelations in 2019 linked to his association with Jeffrey Epstein, culminating in the loss of his royal titles at the request of King Charles in late 2025.
Adding to this landscape of change, in early 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from their royal responsibilities and relocated to the United States, further reducing the ranks of actively working royals. This evolution within the royal family is significant as it marks the transition from the long reign of Queen Elizabeth to the new era under King Charles.
During the 100th birthday celebration, the royal family gathered for a group photograph, which included not only the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra, but also the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The image captured the current working royals’ commitment to the legacy of their predecessor, revealing the familial bonds that remain strong even amid the shifts in royal responsibilities.
Reflecting on Queen Elizabeth’s influence, royal author Robert Hardman emphasised that her reign represented a pivotal chapter in British history. Citing the importance of viewing her legacy in the context of her incredible 96-year life, Hardman remarked, “She came into a man’s world, held that institution together and handed it on in far better shape than people expected.” Such sentiments echo through the current royal engagements as the family navigates modern challenges while aiming to uphold the values instilled by the late Queen.
As the nation celebrated Queen Elizabeth’s centennial, the reception highlighted the royal family’s continuous evolution, along with its longstanding traditions. The event illustrated the personal connections that define the monarchy, as well as its enduring ties to the public through engagements and charitable works. The royal family’s ability to adapt while maintaining a deep respect for their heritage resonates widely, ensuring that Queen Elizabeth’s legacy remains a substantial part of British life moving forward.