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.”
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.
