King Charles appeared to be holding back tears as he was brought back to Balmoral Castle, after attending a special church service in Crathie Kirk this morning.
He has chosen to commemorate the day, which also marks his ascension to the throne, with private memorial prayers and a moment of silent thought.
After a 30-minute service and quick walkabout, Charles, dressed in a red tartan kilt, and Camilla, dressed in a blue day dress and cardigan, was photographed returning to Balmoral – and the King appeared overtaken with emotion.
Camilla sat clutching a lovely bunch of flowers.
The event this morning will be deeply personal for the King, who ascended to the throne when his mother died peacefully on September 8 last year at Balmoral, aged 96, after ruling for a historic 70 years.
The King and Queen made the short journey from Balmoral to the Scottish church shortly before 10 a.m., where they were joined by only a few guests.
Members of the public congregated outside in the autumn sunshine, including Crathie Primary School students, Balmoral estate workers, and members of the royal household.
Lady Sarah Chatto and the Earl of Snowdon, the late Queen’s niece and nephew, accompanied Charles and Camilla.
The late Queen was close to Princess Margaret’s children, particularly Lady Sarah, whom she met frequently.
Lady Sarah was accompanied by her husband Daniel and children Samuel and Arthur, while the Earl was accompanied by his daughter Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones.
Iain Torrance, a former dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland, delivered the sermon.
The King and Queen remained inside the church for nearly 30 minutes before leaving to greet some of the well-wishers.
They then returned to Balmoral Castle, where they would spend the remainder of the day.
As part of a journey to Pembrokeshire, Prince William and Kate will attend a short private service at St Davids Cathedral in Wales.
It comes after they tweeted this morning, “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth.” We all miss you. W & C.”
It was accompanied by a family photograph of the late monarch with her great-grandchildren, including Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, as well as her two youngest grandkids.
