On the first anniversary of the Queen’s death, British King Charles III. published a message to the British. “We remember with great affection her long life, her dedicated service and all that she meant to so many of us,” the 74-year-old wrote in a statement published Friday.
Addressing his subjects, he added: “I am also deeply grateful for the love and support shown to my wife and I over the course of this year and we are doing everything we can to serve you all.”
The palace also released a recording of the message narrated by Charles, along with a photo of the Queen from the 1960s. The Queen can be seen in the habit of the Order of the Garter with a tiara on her head.
Private worship service
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022 during her summer stay at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96 after seven decades on the throne. With her death, Charles automatically became king.
The king and his wife Queen Camilla (76) also spent the first anniversary of his death at Balmoral Castle. The couple planned to attend a private service at nearby Crathie Kirk church. Heir to the throne Prince William and his wife Princess Kate (both 41) wanted to commemorate the late Queen in a church in Wales.
It was initially not known how Prince Harry (38), who arrived in Great Britain on Thursday to take part in a charity event, planned to spend the day. “Exactly a year later, I know for a fact that she is looking down on us tonight, happy that we are together (…),” Harry said, according to the British news agency PA, while speaking at the event on Thursday evening.
Cannon shots and bells ringing
Harry was expected at the opening of the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf at the weekend. The international sports competition for soldiers injured in action is considered a project close to the heart of the royal, who left the inner circle of the royal family with his wife Duchess Meghan (42) a good three years ago. The couple now lives in the US state of California with their two children, Prince Archie (4) and Princess Lilibet (2).
On the anniversary of the Queen’s death and Charles’ accession to the throne, cannon shots will be fired in London on Friday, and the bells of Westminster Abbey will also ring.
