William's tribute to the Queen at early 90th birthday party

The Duke of Cambridge has paid tribute to the Queen, who turns 90 next week, describing her as a 'wonderful great-grandmother' for his children and a 'guiding force' for her family.
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the British High Commission, New Delhi, India at an official garden party reception celebrating the Queen's 90th Mark Large/Daily Mail/PA WireThe Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the British High Commission, New Delhi, India at an official garden party reception celebrating the Queen's 90th Mark Large/Daily Mail/PA Wire
The Duchess of Cambridge arrives at the British High Commission, New Delhi, India at an official garden party reception celebrating the Queen's 90th Mark Large/Daily Mail/PA Wire

His warm words honouring the monarch were spoken at a early birthday party for his grandmother staged in New Delhi as the second day of his and his wife’s tour of India and Bhutan came to an end. He also read out a message from the Queen recalling her fond memories of visits to India.

Earlier the couple visited the site where India’s founding father Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated, where in a poignant ceremony they scattered rose petals at the place the man who led India to independence was shot and killed in 1948.

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They also commemorated India’s First World War dead by laying a wreath at India Gate, the nation’s war memorial, despite strong gusts that threatened to lift up the Duchess’s dress.

The Duchess of Cambridge struggles to control her dress in strong winds as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the India Gate, in New Delhi, India.  Dominic Lipinski/PA WireThe Duchess of Cambridge struggles to control her dress in strong winds as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the India Gate, in New Delhi, India.  Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
The Duchess of Cambridge struggles to control her dress in strong winds as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the India Gate, in New Delhi, India. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

India Gate is a towering 42-metre high arch designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in the heart of New Delhi, but its open plan channelled the wind, turning a strong breeze into troublesome gusts.

At the birthday party William, watched by wife Kate who wore a monochrome outfit by Alice Temperley, and dozens of guests, said: “I am incredibly lucky to have my grandmother in my life. As she turns 90, she is a remarkably energetic and dedicated guiding force for her family.

“And I am so glad that my children are having the chance to get to know the Queen. George and Charlotte, too, will discover how lucky they are to have such a wonderful great-grandmother - a role model for the rest of their lives.

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“Now, it is important that everyone here tonight understands that I am here as the Queen’s representative. She may be my grandmother, but she is also very much the boss.”

The Duchess of Cambridge struggles to control her dress in strong winds as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the India Gate, in New Delhi, India.  Dominic Lipinski/PA WireThe Duchess of Cambridge struggles to control her dress in strong winds as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the India Gate, in New Delhi, India.  Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
The Duchess of Cambridge struggles to control her dress in strong winds as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge lay a wreath at the India Gate, in New Delhi, India. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

The Duke told the guests, gathered at the British High Commission, that the Queen was very fond of India and had visited three times during her 64-year reign.

He added: “And India of course is the biggest country in the Commonwealth, the family of nations to which she has committed so much of her life’s work. India’s contribution to the Commonwealth is something that is enormously important to her.”

The Duke read out a message from his grandmother in which the Queen said she was delighted the Cambridges had been able to join the guests.

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She added: “I have fond memories of our previous visits to India. This event today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enduring friendship between our two countries, our shared culture and the business opportunities we can create together. It is with great pleasure that I entrust another generation of my family to strengthen and renew our bonds.”

At the end William joked: “Now I can report back to Granny that I have done my duty.”

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