Earlier this week marked the one year anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death – but it is also the day in which King Charles III acceded to the throne.
The King, accompanied by Queen Camilla, attended a service at Crathie Kirk, close to the royal Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle; it is also where Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence married in 1992.
Their Majesties attended a church service to mark The King’s accession to the throne and the anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death. (Royal Family)
For the service, His Majesty wore a kilt and light brown jacket, while Her Majesty opted for a patterned blue dress with a blue cardigan, brown heels and a tan bag.
After the service, Their Majesties spoke to those who had gathered to give their to condolences and handed Charles and Camilla bouquets and cards.
The King told them that the flowers were ‘wonderful’ and was heard joking with local schoolchildren about getting back to school as the new term begins.
Other members of the Royal Family who attended the Service, included the King’s cousins, Lady Sarah Chatto and The Earl of Snowdon. David was accompanied by his daughter Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, whilst Lady Sarah was accompanied by her husband Daniel and children Samuel and Arthur. Staff from Balmoral were also present during the service.
The Rev Kenneth Mackenzie, Minister of Crathie Kirk, who officiated at the Service, said: ‘It was a simple reflective time, a time where we were able to give thanks for the life of the late Queen and recognise the poignancy of this day for that family and this community, as well as the nation and Commonwealth.
‘I think that those of us that did get to see the Queen in different situations, but particularly up here, felt it today, were reminded of the loss, but we were also glad, just as the family were able to gather here last year, some members of the family were able to be here. And wherever they might be, in their own homes or wherever, I’m glad that people will have the opportunity to reflect and gives some thanks for the life of the Queen.’
An unseen photograph of Elizabeth II. (Royal Family)
Earlier in the day, King Charles III released a message to mark his accession:
‘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.’
He also chose to release a previously unseen photograph of his late mother, taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968. It shows the late Queen wearing her Order of the Garter robes and the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara.
