THE King and Queen are commemorating the life and service of Queen Elizabeth at Crathie Kirk.
Charles, dressed in a red tartan kilt, and Camilla, in a blue day dress and cardigan, made the short journey by car from the nearby Balmoral Estate to the Scottish church where monarchs have worshipped since Queen Victoria.
On the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth, the King and his wife are marking her life with private prayers and a moment of reflection.
They were joined by the late Queen’s niece and nephew, Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon.
The earl was accompanied by his daughter Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones, and Lady Sarah by her husband Daniel and children Samuel and Arthur.
Former dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland Iain Torrance was giving the sermon.
A small group of Balmoral estate workers and members of the public had gathered close to the church whose minister is the Rev Kenneth MacKenzie.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, who will visit the Welsh cathedral of St Davids for a short private service on Friday, paid a personal tribute to the late Queen on the anniversary, saying: “We all miss you.”
The message, written by William and Kate on Twitter/X, read: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.”
READ MORE: Monarchy in Scotland should have ended with Queen’s death
The King has also recorded a message and released a favourite photograph of his mother.
Charles, in words written and audio spoken at Balmoral Castle, said he recalled with “great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us”.
He said: “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.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also paid tribute to her “extraordinary life of duty and dedication” and said he treasured his memories of meeting the late Queen and was struck by her “wisdom, by her incredible warmth and grace” and her “sharp wit”.
Bells will be rung at Westminster Abbey at 1pm in commemoration of the King’s accession.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel