King Charles pays tribute to his mother on anniversary of death

King Charles III has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s “devoted service” on the primary anniversary of her loss of life.

“In marking the first anniversary of Her Late Majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” he wrote.

“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.”

An unseen {photograph} of the late monarch was additionally launched. The picture was captured at Buckingham Palace on October 16, 1968.

Charles turned sovereign on September 8, 2022, the day Elizabeth died after greater than 70 years on the throne.

The following day, the brand new king telegraphed a lot of what has occurred since in a speech that paid homage to the best way his mom honoured the historical past of a 1000-year-old monarchy whereas embracing the adjustments that remodeled Britain after World War II.

“In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which makes us great as a nation,” Charles stated as he pledged to serve all his individuals, irrespective of the place they stay or what they imagine.

Known for talking his thoughts throughout his many years as inheritor to the throne, Charles additionally acknowledged that he must tone down his assist for causes resembling conservation and environmental safety.

But he instantly handed that mantle to Prince William, encouraging him to “lead our national conversation” and assist “bring the marginal to the centre ground, where vital help can be given”.

After the queen’s piper performed one closing lament, the Westminster Abbey congregation supplied a thunderous rendition of the nationwide anthem — although for the primary time in seven many years the primary line was, “God save our gracious king.”

As Charles sat in the 700-year-old coronation chair at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed a jewel-encrusted crown on his head.

Then he was enclosed behind a screen where he was anointed with holy oil.

But the monarch also made sure there was a role for other religions, with non-Christian faith leaders taking part in the ceremony for the first time.

And while the TV cameras focused on presidents and prime ministers, lords, ladies and royals as they trooped into the abbey, the audience also included dozens of people invited in honour of the work they do for charities, schools and youth programs around the country.

More challenges are to come

The perception of the monarchy itself has changed since Elizabeth took the throne, making it harder for the palace to stick to its mantra of “by no means clarify, by no means complain” as the media demand more information about royal spending and accountability.

Charles is also facing demands to make the palace staff more representative of modern Britain and to acknowledge the monarchy’s role in slavery and imperialism.

Some of these calls come from throughout the royal household after Prince Harry, and his spouse, Meghan, criticised the palace in a ebook and TV collection launched earlier this 12 months. But there’s additionally stress from republican teams that wish to do away with the hereditary monarchy and among the 14 Commonwealth realms that bridle on the concept of getting an English king as their head of state.