King Charles and Queen Camilla will today lead commemorations for the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II with private prayers and a moment of reflection on the first anniversary of her death.
Charles and Camilla, who are staying at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, will attend nearby Crathie Kirk for the poignant event at the church where the late Queen worshipped.
It will be a deeply personal moment for the King, who became sovereign when his mother died peacefully last year at Balmoral on September 8, aged 96, after reigning for an historic 70 years.
Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales, will visit of St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire for a short, private service.
The King recorded a message and released a favourite photograph of his mother to mark the first anniversary of her death and his accession to the throne.
Charles said he recalled with “great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us”.
He added: “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 formal colour photograph of the late Queen aged 42 was chosen by Charles and taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968.
She is standing sideways and smiling in her Garter robes and wearing the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s Tiara, made of 15 interlaced diamond circles.
Prince Harry paid tribute to his grandmother in a speech a charity event on Thursday (September 7), saying: “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.”
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