The United Kingdom celebrated the anniversaries of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and the coronation of King Charles III with gun salutes and ringing bells in a grand display in London.
London – With gun salutes and ringing bells, the United Kingdom celebrated the anniversaries of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III on Friday, commemorating their steadfast service during her 70-year reign.
Charles and Queen Camilla celebrated their anniversaries in their family estate in Scotland and participated in a memorial service at a nearby small church where the late Queen had worshipped.
In a recorded message, Charles said, “On the first anniversary of Her Majesty’s passing and my coronation, we fondly remember her long life, dedicated service, and everything she meant to many of us with great affection.” “I am also deeply grateful for the love and support shown to my wife and me during this year as we strive to serve you all.”
Military units saluted near the Tower of London and Green Park near Buckingham Palace in the eastern part of the capital, celebrating on the throne of the King with grandeur. Westminster Abbey’s bells rang out at 1 o’clock.
The heir to the throne, Prince William, and his wife Catherine participated in a memorial service at St. David’s Cathedral in Wales, which included prayers and hymns in both English and Welsh, with the singing of “You Know, O God, the Secrets of Our Hearts.”
In a poignant moment, the royal couple approached Prince William’s grandmother’s portrait, and the princess placed flowers in front of the image. Then they stood in solemn silence.
Meanwhile, a member of the public snapped a picture of Prince Harry, the younger brother of Prince William, emerging from St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, the final resting place of the Queen, as he attended a charity event in California, far from his home in London. There was no expectation of meeting his father or brother during the trip. At the end of this week, Harry and his wife Meghan will participate in the Invictus Games in Germany, where they will support wounded soldiers.
Harry spoke at the WellChild-sponsored awards ceremony, which helps seriously ill children receive necessary treatment at home rather than in hospitals. He said in his address to the assembled people, who assist seriously ill children receive essential treatment at home rather than in hospitals, “I know that just a year ago, she was watching us all from above tonight, happy that we are together and continuing to illuminate this incredible community in this way.”
The Queen was pictured by the King in an unpublished photograph when she was 42 and at her most powerful. Elizabeth can be seen wearing order robes, a garter, and Vladimir Grand Duchess’s tiara, which is formed of 15 interwoven diamonds, in this portrait by renowned fashion photographer Cecil Beaton, who frequently took pictures of members of the royal family.
The nation mourned the death of the Queen as hundreds of thousands of people, whether fortunate enough to meet Her Majesty in person or not, gathered around her coffin to pay their respects to the only reigning monarch they had ever known.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said in a statement, “People throughout the UK – whether they had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty or not – will reflect today on what she meant to them and the example she set for all of us.”
Social media was used by friends to pay tribute to the beloved and late Queen. Angela Kelly, the Queen’s senior dresser and confidante, wrote on a black-and-white photo of the monarch,
“I’ll always remember you. I will always love you. You are remembered, my friend.
Elizabeth, who ascended to the throne at the age of 25, was a highly regarded figure whose continued presence assisted in bringing the United Kingdom together as she participated in discussions about the dissolution of the empire and the creation of a modern, multicultural country governed by diasporic communities and religious groups from Britain’s four parts. Future of the monarchy was questioned in the wake of her death.
However, Charles has smoothly stepped into his new role, focusing on building bridges between the four parts of Britain and its diverse population, while avoiding controversies.