One year ago changed the course of British history. This September 8, 2023, marked the one-year anniversary of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
For King Charles III, the weight of this anniversary is palpable. In solemn remembrance, the new sovereign and Queen Camilla held a private memorial service at Crathie Kirk Church near Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Although deliberately discreet, the photos reveal the emotional charge of a mourning king.
Queen Camilla and King Charles on the first anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death
Under the gray Scottish sky, Charles looked somber as he left the small parish church.
Dressed formally in a red tartan kilt, The King walked alongside Camilla, who was appropriately dressed in dark blue.
As the monarch rode in the car he seemed lost in quiet contemplation.
The service was brief, lasting only 30 minutes. The former dean of the Chapel Royal of Scotland, Iain Torrance delivered a short sermon.
Outside the chapel were local schoolchildren, and workers from the Balmoral estate. Charles greeted them before retiring to Balmoral Castle for the rest of the day.
Of particular note was the presence of the Earl of Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto, son and daughter of the late Princess Margaret. Charles’ sons William and Harry were absent, in compliance with their father’s wish for privacy.
Notably, Charles and Camilla were accompanied by the late Queen’s niece and nephew, Lady Sarah Chatto, and the Earl of Snowdon.
The Earl was accompanied by his daughter Lady Margaret Armstrong-Jones, and Lady Sarah by her husband Daniel, and sons Sam and Arthur.
Earlier, the King had sent a touching message on social media assuring that he and Camilla would commemorate “with great affection her long life, devoted service.”
In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.
I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during… pic.twitter.com/NfM6LDWTA0
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 7, 2023
Indeed, Elizabeth II’s extraordinary 70-year reign ended on September 8, 2022, when the 96-year-old monarch passed away peacefully at Balmoral.
Charles immediately ascended the throne, embarking on the daunting task of taking his mother’s place.
A year later, the mourning is still open. Today, Charles honors the late queen as he must now, with silent prayers and a firm commitment to carry on her legacy.
