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.”
Prince William took to the stage at the coronation concert and paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth
William also spoke of his family’s ‘pride’ in King Charles
Prince William stepped out to huge cheers from the delighted 20,000-strong crowd
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.
King Charles and Queen Camilla wave to the thousands attending the concert
Kate, Charlotte, George and Eugenie were seen enjoying the star-studded concert
Rishi Sunak and his wife were sat behind Princes William and George
A dazzling display of drones formed a large whale which had the crowd gasping
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.
Katy Perry performed her hit Roar as Princess Charlotte sang along with mum Kate
Lionel Richie performed his much-loved All Night Long as the Royals danced and sang along
Nicole Scherzinger also took to the stage
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.”
