Under solemn surroundings, the Prince and Princess of Wales paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on the poignant first anniversary of her passing.
William and Kate celebrated this historic day with a small delay due to fog, which prevented their helicopter from landing on time.
William and Kate on the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death
Despite the setbacks, the couple arrived in Pembrokeshire and greeted those present in the vicinity of the ancient cathedral.
Inside the hallowed church, the royal couple solemnly approached a portrait of the late queen adorned with white roses.
With elegant reverence, Kate placed her own bouquet of flowers before the image.
The dean of St David’s, Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, acknowledged the “particularly poignant” significance of William and Kate’s visit coming on the day of the anniversary of Elizabeth’s death.
She recalled that the beloved monarch had visited the cathedral on four occasions, the only sovereign to have sat in the Chapter House.
Honoring Queen Elizabeth on social media
Earlier that morning, Prince William and Princess Kate poignantly marked the occasion with a simple statement on official social media signed “W&C”.
“Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” it read. “We all miss you. W&C.”
Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C pic.twitter.com/SkmGtmpNEE
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 8, 2023
William and Kate’s quiet reflections in Wales honored in the first year of her absence a monarch who marked countless lives with humble dignity and tireless duty.
King Charles III also dedicated an emotional message to his mother, praising her“long life, her devoted service and all that she meant to so many of us.”
He also expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support he and Camilla have received this past year in their efforts to serve the people.
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
One year later, his absence continues to leave a painful void for both the family and the nation.