King Charles III has marked the second anniversary of his mother Queen Elizabeth II's death with a private service at Crathie Kirk, a church near Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the late Queen was a regular worshiper. Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Crathie Kirk on Sunday morning for the service, two years to the day after Charles ascended to the throne.
The King and Queen were seen arriving at the church in a maroon state Bentley, with Charles adjusting his cuffs as he prepared for the poignant service. Camilla, wearing a green jacket with red and green tartan lapels and a green hat decorated with a feather, smiled at awaiting photographers and camera crews. The King had a pink flower in the lapel of his grey jacket.
The King has been staying on his Aberdeenshire estate, where the late Queen died peacefully at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022. On Saturday, he attended the Braemar Gathering, a traditional Highland Games event.
Tributes have been paid to the late Queen to mark the anniversary, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hailing the “70 glorious years of her reign.” In a message posted on social media, Sir Keir said, “Today marks two years since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen’s dedication to the UK and Commonwealth taught us that whatever challenges our country faces, the value of service always endures. For the 70 glorious years of her reign, she was at the heart of this nation’s life. Today we honour her memory.”
The Royal family also paid tribute to the late Queen on social media. On the platform X, the family wrote: ‘Remembering Queen Elizabeth II, 1926-2022.’ The post featured a photo of the late Queen wearing a pink hat and matching outfit, smiling at a summer Buckingham Palace garden party in 2019.
The King and Queen’s visit to Crathie Kirk comes as the Royal family continues to grapple with the loss of the late Queen. As the world marks the second anniversary of her passing, the King and Queen's attendance at the service serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact the late Queen had on the nation and the Commonwealth.
Remembering the Late Queen
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a revered figure, admired not only for her long reign but also for her unwavering dedication to public service. During her 70 years on the throne, she witnessed immense change in the world, but she remained a constant presence, providing stability and a sense of continuity for the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth’s death marked the end of an era. She was the longest-reigning monarch in British history, and her legacy is one of resilience, grace, and unwavering duty. The impact of her reign continues to be felt across the world, particularly in the Commonwealth countries, where she served as Head of State for many decades.
King Charles' Reign: A Time of Transition
Since his accession to the throne, King Charles III has sought to forge his own path while honoring the legacy of his mother. He has continued many of the traditions of the monarchy, while also introducing his own style and approach.
The King has made it clear that he wants to be a modern monarch, relevant to the needs of the 21st century. He has spoken about his commitment to environmental issues and his desire to create a more inclusive and sustainable monarchy.
The King’s reign is still in its early stages, but he has already faced significant challenges. These include the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the cost-of-living crisis. He has also had to navigate the complex relationship with his younger son, Prince Harry, who has been critical of the royal family in recent years.
Despite these challenges, the King has remained committed to his duties. He has continued to travel extensively, carrying out state visits and attending international summits. He has also worked to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.
A Year of Reflection and Change
The second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death is a time for reflection for the Royal family and for the nation as a whole. It is a reminder of the Queen’s extraordinary life and legacy, and it is also a time to consider the future of the monarchy.
King Charles III has inherited a crown that is facing new challenges. The monarchy is no longer the institution it was in the Queen’s time. It is under scrutiny from the public and the media, and it is facing questions about its role in a modern, multicultural society.
The King has shown that he is determined to adapt the monarchy to meet these challenges. He has spoken about his desire to create a more relevant and inclusive institution. He has also made it clear that he is committed to upholding the values of service and duty that his mother embodied during her long reign.
As the King embarks on his own journey as monarch, he will need to navigate the changing tides of public opinion. He will also need to address the complex issues facing the nation and the Commonwealth. The success of his reign will depend on his ability to connect with the people and to demonstrate that the monarchy is still relevant in a modern world.
The King’s second year on the throne has been a year of transition and change. It has been a year of reflection, as the Royal family and the nation have come to terms with the loss of Queen Elizabeth II. It has also been a year of adaptation, as King Charles III has sought to establish his own style and direction as monarch. The future of the monarchy will depend on the King’s ability to continue this process of adaptation and to connect with the people in a way that his mother did for so many years.
