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British Royals

The King and Queen meet well-wishers remembering Elizabeth II

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended a special church service at Crathie Kirk to mark the first anniversary of Elizabeth II’s death and the King’s accession to the throne.

In a small service, the Reverend Kenneth Mackenzie led attendees in a remembrance of Elizabeth II’s life and service. He told reporters afterwards, “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.”

Joining the King and Queen were members of Princess Margaret’s family, all of whom enjoyed a close relationship with their late aunt. The Earl of Snowdon and his daughter, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and Lady Sarah Chatto and her husband Daniel and two sons Samuel and Arthur, attended the service.

The King and Queen have been at Balmoral for the past few weeks, carrying on the tradition of a summer court in Scotland. Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral Castle last September at the age of 96.

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At one minute past midnight, King Charles released a message paying tribute to his late mother for her “long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.”

He continued, “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.”

In Wales, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended a service at St Davids Cathedral and laid white roses in tribute to their late grandmother. Elsewhere, other members of the British Royal Family were spotted at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle visiting Elizabeth II’s grave.

The Royal Family X account posted, “Thank you for all your kind words of condolence as we remember Queen Elizabeth II together.”

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About author

Jess Ilse is the Assistant Editor at Royal Central. She specialises in the British, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Royal Families and has been following royalty since Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee. Jess has provided commentary for media outlets in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Jess works in communications and her debut novel THE MAJESTIC SISTERS will publish in Fall 2024.