Queen Elizabeth II recalled a year after her death when for King Charles III. Gun salutes rang out
LONDON (AP) — With gun salutes and tolling bells, the United Kingdom marked the anniversary Friday the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the rise of King Charles IIIwho remembered his mother as a symbol of stability during her 70-year reign.
Charles and Queen Camilla marked the anniversary at the family’s estate in Scotland and attended a memorial service at a small church nearby, where the late queen prayed.
“As we mark the first anniversary of Her Late Majesty’s death and my accession to the throne, we remember with great affection her long life, her dedicated service and all that she meant to so many of us,” Charles said in a recorded message. “I am also deeply grateful for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and I this year as we do our utmost to serve you all.”
Military units commemorated the king’s accession to the throne by firing gun salutes at the Tower of London in the east of the capital and Green Park near Buckingham Palace. At 1 p.m. the bells of Westminster Abbey rang
Heir to the throne Prince William and his wife Catherine attended a memorial service at St David’s Cathedral in Wales, while younger brother Prince Harry is photographed by a member of the public leaving St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the Queen’s final resting place became.
Harry, who no longer holds an official royal role, traveled from his home in California to London on Thursday to attend a charity event. However, he was not expected to meet his father or brother during his visit. Harry will attend the Invictus Games for injured soldiers in Germany this weekend alongside his wife Meghan.
Harry told attendees at the awards ceremony, sponsored by WellChild, which helps seriously ill children get the treatment they need at home rather than in a hospital. that his grandmother would be proud of her.
“I know exactly one year later that she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy that we are together and continuing to shine a spotlight on such an incredible community,” he said.
The king released a previously unseen photo of the queen, showing her at the height of her power at the age of 42. The image by Cecil Beaton, a well-known fashion photographer who frequently photographed members of the royal family, shows Elizabeth in the religious robes wearing the garter and wearing the Grand Duchess Vladimir’s tiara, consisting of 15 intertwined diamond circles.
The queen’s death triggered a wave of national grief among hundreds of thousands of people walked past her coffin to honor the only monarch most had ever known.
“People across Britain – whether they were lucky enough to meet Her Late Majesty or not – will today reflect on what she meant to them and the example she set for us all,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement.
Elizabeth, who came to the throne at the age of 25, was a widely respected figure whose constant presence helped unite the United Kingdom as it negotiated the end of empire and the growth of a modern, multicultural nation run by immigrants was driven from all over the world. Her death sparked questions about the future of the monarchy.
But Charles has moved smoothly into his new role, avoiding controversy and focusing on building bridges between the four parts of the United Kingdom and the myriad ethnic and religious groups that make up the population.