“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. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realise their ambitions. He warned us of the risks to our planet’s health long before it was an everyday issue. “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. “My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service. “For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message: Service. “And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future. “But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long. “I want to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important. “A huge thank you to everyone for making this such a special evening. William said: “Good evening, Your Majesties. His full speech, in which he joked about Lionel Richie’s hit ‘All Night Long’, is here. The dad-of-three, 40, was cheered by a 20,000-strong crowd as he took to the stage on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle on Sunday (07.05.23) before saying he knew his grandmother – who died in September aged 96 – was “up there, fondly keeping an eye on us”.ĭescribing the newly-crowned king, 74, as his “Pa” after his coronation on Saturday (06.05.23), William also echoed his dad’s pledge to “serve” the public. Prince William paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth at his dad’s coronation concert. Prince William paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth at his dad’s coronation concert

The Long Weekend by Ross Lennon