Royal family to mark first anniversary of Queen’s death

THE LATE QUEEN: King Charles III released this picture, dated October 16, 1968, taken by Cecil Beaton to mark the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death (Image: Royal Collection Trust/His Majesty King Charles III 2023/PA)

The royal family will mark the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II today, who died peacefully at Balmoral in Scotland on September 8 last year, aged 96. King Charles III and Queen Camilla are not expected to attend any public engagements, marking the date privately in Scotland.  

The King and Queen, who are currently at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire and intend to visit Crathie Kirk (where the Queen worshipped), will mark the moment with prayers and reflection. The Prince and Princess of Wales, who are on a trip to Pembrokeshire, are expected to attend St Davids (a Welsh cathedral) for a private service, with The Duke of Sussex attending a charity awards ceremony in the UK – but it is believed he will not visit the King.

King Charles III released a message and photograph of the Queen to mark the anniversary and his accession to the throne. Charles (in words and audio recorded at Balmoral Castle this week) said he recalled with ‘great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us’, reports WalesOnline.

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He said: “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.”

Queen Elizabeth II reigned for 70 years, making her the longest-serving monarch, and when she passed away in September 2022, her son and heir, Charles, became the new king. The photograph, depicting the Queen aged 42 in 1968, was taken by Cecil Beaton; she is smiling in her Garter robes, wearing the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s Tiara, comprised of 15 interlaced diamond circles, reports NottinghamshireLive.

The late Queen formerly marked the passing of her father, King George VI, who died on February 6, 1952, privately at Sandringham. The King and Queen have seen a typical royal year, attending the Commonwealth Day service, Royal Ascot, Garter Day and Trooping the Colour.

Harry, who paid tribute to his grandmother in his speech at the Invictus Games in Germany, said: “I know exactly one year on that she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy we’re together, continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”

The King and Queen’s coronation ceremony occurred on May 6 at Westminster Abbey. The King has completed a number of firsts during his time as head of state, from his first overseas state visit to Germany to his inaugural Christmas broadcast, which saw the monarch sympathise with those struggling with the cost of living and highlighting individuals, charities and faith groups.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “With the perspective of a year, the scale of her late majesty’s service only seems greater. 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.

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Mr Sunak said he was struck by her ‘wisdom, by her incredible warmth and grace’, and her ‘sharp wit’. He said, ‘people across the UK, whether they had the good fortune to meet her late majesty or not’, will be reflecting today on ‘what she meant to them and the example she set for us all’.

Mike Tindall (married to Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara) paid tribute to his ‘wonderful’ grandmother-in-law, reports the Mirror. The former England rugby captain wrote his tribute on Instagram.

Tindall said: “Massive day in the sport I love, but I can’t help but start the day thinking about this wonderful woman that we lost a year ago today #thequeen #rip.”

Soldiers and horses that joined the funeral procession and the salutes for the new reign return for Accession Day gun salutes in the King’s honour today. Captain Amy Cooper, the lead rider in the procession that carried the coffin to lie in state in Westminster Hall, will give the order to fire a 41-gun salute at midday in Hyde Park in London.

A 62-gun salute will be fired at the Tower of London by The Honourable Artillery Company. And Bells will be rung at Westminster Abbey at 1pm for the King’s accession.

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