Prince Charles might have moved too many to tears during his speech at his son's wedding, but not it's Prince Harry's turn to stir emotions in the audience. The newlywed delivered an emotional speech to his father Prince Charles in his first official engagement as a married man. This special celebration was Prince Charles' 70th birthday - six months early.
While the Duke of Sussex praised his father during his heartwarming speech at Buckingham Palace Garden, his wife Meghan Markle - Duchess of Sussex - couldn't stop laughing and admiring her husband's words.
The Duke of Sussex told guests his father had inspired him and his brother. “You have inspired William and I, and looking out here today, it is clear to see that we are not alone. You have created an incredible body of work that has, and will continue to make such a huge difference to so many people's lives both here and around the world.
The Duke of Sussex addressed everyone at the Buckingham Palace to celebrate Prince Charles' “dedicated support to all of you and the work that you do” and then he honoured those affected by the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena a year ago.
“I would like us to take a moment to remember all those affected by the tragic events at the Manchester Arena a year ago. We are fortunate to have over 250 representatives from the Emergency Services here today.
"It is right that we take a moment to recognise the amazing work they do every day and how each member of our Blue Light Services rise to meet the challenge of tragic events such as the attack a year ago. We are also joined by Youth United Cadets. Their organisation also provided triage support to the medical crews on the attack.”
He thanked the Emergency Services as well as those who supported the injured and affected. "Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones and those still dealing with the experiences of that night.”
Then he praised the Prince of Wales for his work over the last forty plus years, “with all of his charities, patronages and military associations – and, as you all know, my father views all of your organisations like an extended family”.
The Duke of Sussex said he was struck by the range and diversity of the work which his father is involved with. "Currently there are your two major charities, The Prince's Trust and the newly formed – Prince's Foundation – which has brought together your work supporting vulnerable young people in society, the built environment, culture, heritage and education. These sit alongside your 18 military associations and more than 420 patronages, ranging from music and the arts to rare breeds and plant life.”
He also praised the way his father works and his enthusiasm. “Who has not come away from a meeting with my father, their head spinning with a dozen new ideas which he wants to get underway urgently, having met a group of people or read something that has fired his imagination and started the flow of ideas.
“His enthusiasm and energy are truly infectious; it has certainly inspired William and I to get involved in issues we care passionately about and to do whatever we can to make a difference.”
The Duke of Sussex also credited his father for instilling in him and his brother the passion they have in certain subjects. "His passion and dedication are remarkable and seeing so many of you here today, I cannot fail but to be in awe of the drive he has had for so many years, to contribute to the enrichment of society both in this country and around the world.
“But Pa, in my mind, this event sums up your approach to work – I know you really didn't want today to be about you and would far rather the focus be on the people and organisations represented here. I know that in your mind, you see the opportunity of bringing everyone together as a chance to thank them for all of their amazing work!”
"It is your selfless drive to affect change, whether that is to improve the lives of those who are on the wrong path, to save an important piece of our national heritage or to protect a particular species under threat, which William and I draw inspiration from every day.”
“So, Pa, while I know that you've asked that today not be about you, you must forgive me if I don't listen to you – much like when I was younger – and instead, I ask everyone here to say a huge thank you to you, for your incredible work over nearly 50 years.
"Work that has given self-confidence and opportunity to thousands of young people who might not have had the best start in life; or to champion causes like climate change long before almost anyone else was talking about it; and above all, for your vision and ability to bring people together to make change happen.”