The Queen's touching speech dedicated to Prince Charles on his 70th birthday

The Queen's speech that was dedicated to Prince Charles was the highlight of his 70th birthday celebration for many.

Charles' mother spoke at a private event for the royal family that was held at Buckingham Palace and opened up about how much of a "privilege" it was to speak at such a momentous occasion. 

According to a royal source, Charles was "deeply touched" by the Queen's words, which is a rare occurrence as the royal family isn't known for their public pronouncements of love and affection.

She described Charles as a "dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history — and a wonderful father".

She also spoke very highly of Charles' wife Camilla, referring to her as the woman who "sustains" him.

Finishing off her speech, she referred to Charles as a "Duchy Original", a reference to his organic food brand that he set up in the 90s.

Raising a glass at the black tie dinner, the Queen said: "It is a privilege for any mother to be able to propose a toast to her son on his 70th birthday.

"It means that you have lived long enough to see your child grow up. It is rather like —to use an analogy I am certain will find favour — planting a tree and being able to watch it grow.

"My mother saw me turn 70, of course. And she was heard to observe that 70 is exactly the age when the number of candles on your cake finally exceeds the amount of breath you have to blow them out.

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"Over his 70 years, Philip and I have seen Charles become a champion of conservation and the arts, a great charitable leader — a dedicated and respected heir to the throne to stand comparison with any in history — and a wonderful father.

"Most of all, sustained by his wife Camilla, he is his own man, passionate and creative. So this toast is to wish a happy birthday to my son, in every respect a duchy original. To you Charles. To the Prince of Wales."