King Charles releases beloved portrait of the smiling Queen to mark first anniversary of her death
Entertainment
Today Charles, 74, will hail her devoted service and express great affection for her
(Web Desk) -Queen Elizabeth II smiles serenely in a portrait beloved by the King — released by him today as a poignant tribute to mark the first anniversary of her passing.
The picture by photographer Cecil Beaton has not been shown publicly since 1969.
Today Charles, 74, will hail her “devoted service” and express “great affection” for her.
In an audio tribute, the King will say he is “deeply grateful” for the nation’s support to him and Queen Camilla over the past year.
Charles and Camilla, 76, chose to stay overnight at Balmoral Castle — where Queen Elizabeth passed away — rather than at their own Scottish home at Birkhall seven miles away.
They will spend time in the grand house with members of his family who have stayed in Scotland for a intimate day of quiet reflection. Sources say they will spend time thinking back on the late monarch’s last moments and her 70 years of service.
And they will also reflect on their first year as King and Queen.
It is thought a small number of family members have remained for the day.
They do not include the King’s brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and sister Princess Anne, who have returned south from their break on the Scottish estate.
His sons Prince William and Prince Harry are not there either.
William and Kate will join a private church service at St David’s Cathedral in Wales today, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth’s life.
They will then meet members of the local community in the cloister before any well-wishers waiting outside.
Harry — who in the past year has slammed his family in a Netflix docuseries and bombshell memoir Spare — flew without wife Meghan to London yesterday for a charity gala.
The King has no plans to see him before Harry flies to Dusseldorf to open his Invictus Games tomorrow.
