In mourning. While largely remaining stoic and steadfast in the days since the Queen Elizabeth II’s death, King Charles IIIHe was photographed in rare moments when he seemed to be feeling emotional.
On Friday, September 9, the new monarch, 73 — who ascended the throne upon his mother’s passing on Thursday, September 8 — was seen wiping away a tear as he and his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, arrived at Buckingham Palace in his monarchy for the very first time.
Charles walked away later that morning, having greeted mourners and observed tributes to Her Majesty outside the palace.
Elizabeth, who died at Balmoral estate in Scotland at age 96, has been honored multiple times by her oldest son in the days since her passing.
King Charles III News Licensing/MEGA
“To my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this, thank you,” Charles stated in his first speech as king on Friday. “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
Prince William, Charles’ eldest son and second in line to the throne, also paid tribute to the queen in an emotional statement shared on Saturday, September 10.
While acknowledging that the “world lost an extraordinary leader,” the Duke of Cambridge, 40, noted, “I, however, have lost a grandmother. I will miss her, but I am also incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of the queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.”
William expressed gratitude to his wife for their time spent with his grandmother, reflecting on the memories. Duchess Kate, had “20 years of her guidance and support,” while their kids, Prince George, 9, Princess Charlotte, 7, and Prince Louis, 4, have created “memories [with their great-grandmother] that will last their whole lives.”
He continued: “She was by my side at my happiest moments and she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real.”
Exclusively revealed by Us WeeklyThe family, especially the children, should be praised. Prince HarryThe loss of the queen causes great grief to her.
“The royals knew Elizabeth’s end was near, but mentally, she was as sharp as ever right until it was her time to go,” the insider said. “All of the royals are struggling to come to terms with the devastating news.”
Harry, 37 — who stepped down from his duties as a senior royal in 2020, alongside his wife, Meghan Markle — was especially close to the queen.
“He loved his grandmother with all his heart and is going through a terrible time right now,” the source explained. “The news hasn’t fully sunk in.”
Furthermore, the insider added, the Duke of Sussex is “guilt-stricken — full of sorrow and regret about not saying goodbye to the queen.” (Though Harry rushed to Balmoral to be by her side, he did not arrive before she passed.)
“They met up a couple of times during the Platinum Jubilee, but he by no means expected it to be the last time he saw her,” the insider said.
