A year ago today the nation was plunged into mourning over the death of the Queen, after a long reign marked by dedication, devotion and duty.
And the King has paid an emotional tribute to his mother on the eve of the first anniversary of her passing, while thanking people across the globe for their support after he took over her role as sovereign. Charles also reaffirmed his pledge to devote his life to service as King.
Politicians joined in the tributes to the Queen as the country prepared to reflect on her passing. Charles said: “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 this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.” The King has remained at Balmoral in Scotland, where the Queen died, to spend time “quietly reflecting” on his loss, as well as his first 12 months as sovereign and “looking forward to the future”.
King Charles III during coronation (Getty Images)As part of the commemorations, the Palace today released an image of the Queen personally selected by Charles. It was taken on October 16, 1968, as part of an official sitting granted to Cecil Beaton, who passed away in 1980. The snap has not been released before now but was first shown at the National Portrait Gallery from 1968 to 1969, as part of its first photographic exhibition of Beaton Portraits 1928-68.
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It was taken at the Palace when the Queen was 42. She was wearing her Garter robes and the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s Tiara. Rishi Sunak said the anniversary of the monarch’s death allows us to reflect on “the scale of her service” which “only seems greater”. The PM added: “Her devotion to the nations of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth only seems deeper.
“And our gratitude for such an extraordinary life of duty and dedication only continues to grow.” Keir Starmer told how the queues to see the late Queen lying in state showed she “always enjoyed a special bond with her people”. The Labour leader added: “It was a relationship built from her understanding that service of this nation is the thread that unites sovereign and subject.
“So, as we reflect on her legacy again today, let us embrace that spirit of public service as our guide towards a better future.” Former PM Liz Truss told how the Queen appeared frail but “mentally alert” when she met her at Balmoral just two days before she passed away. It was her final official engagement. She was in Scotland to be appointed PM as the monarch’s health meant she could not travel to London.
Speaking to GB News, Ms Truss said: “She was absolutely on top of what was happening. She was very determined to do her duty, right to the end.” The senior churchman who was with the Queen days before she died gave a fascinating insight into her frame of mind at the time. The Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields, then Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, told how she was at ease, despite the scandal of Prince Andrew’s alleged sex abuse, which he denies, and family infighting. He said she spoke of her faith and her love of Balmoral.
Dr Greenshields added: “It was her Platinum Jubilee year and so she was looking back. She had no regrets and was very much at peace. At one point she went to the window and said, ‘Who would not want to be here?’ She was in a very peaceful, private place.” There will be no large-scale public memorial planned for the anniversary, or an official Royal Family gathering. But the Prince and Princess of Wales will tomorrow lead tributes to the late Queen on a visit to Wales.
As exclusively revealed by the Mirror last month, the couple chose to make a pilgrimage to St David’s cathedral in the UK’s smallest city. The late monarch made several visits during her 70 year reign. Charles is looking forward to his rearranged state visit to France later this month.
Majesty magazine managing editor Joe Little said it has been a “momentous first year” for Charles amid a growing anti-monarchist campaign. But a YouGov poll found most Brits think he is doing well.
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