The first year of King Charles III’s reign was marked with a mix of emotions. On Friday 8 September, he officially acknowledged his first year as king while taking time to remember his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Just 34 minutes after the announcement of the late Queen’s passing, King Charles III issued his first statement, describing it as “a moment of the greatest sadness.” The Privy Council then proclaimed His Majesty as King Charles III during his historic Accession Council on 10 September.
Nine days following the late Queen’s death, her state funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, followed by a committal service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor. In a pre-recorded message from St George’s Chapel aired on Christmas Day, King Charles III paid a touching tribute to his late mother. Standing close to her resting place alongside his father, he expressed gratitude for the love and sympathy received from the public. The King acknowledged the absence of loved ones during the Christmas season and the impact it has on cherished traditions.
One of the significant milestones of King Charles III’s first year was his inaugural state visit to Germany in March. The visit was deemed a success, culminating in the delivery of the first ever speech by a British monarch in German during a session of the Bundestag. However, a planned state visit to France was postponed due to riots related to pension reforms. The visit to Paris and Bordeaux has now been rescheduled for 20 to 22 September.
The King and Queen, together with other members of the royal family, led the Easter Sunday church service in Windsor. The younger generation, including the Prince and Princess of Wales’s children and the Tindall family’s daughters, made appearances at this meaningful event.
In anticipation of their coronation, official portraits of King Charles III and Queen Camilla were released by Buckingham Palace. These portraits, taken in the blue drawing room, showcased the royal couple standing side by side in front of a portrait of King George V. Another set of images featured them seated individually.
The coronation of the King and Queen took place at Westminster Abbey, with a congregation of 2,500 and over 20 million people in the UK watching the event on television. The ceremony was a momentous occasion for the royal family.
In June, the King celebrated his first birthday parade as monarch. Mounted on horseback, he was joined by Princess Anne, Prince William, and Prince Edward. This marked the first time a monarch had ridden on horseback since Queen Elizabeth II in 1986. Queen Camilla, the Princess of Wales, and their children observed the parade from a carriage, while senior working royals joined the King on the palace balcony to witness the flypast.
During the summer, the King and Queen resided in Balmoral Castle and welcomed several members of the royal family as guests. They also participated in the Braemar Gathering Highland Games, a long-standing tradition. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murthy were among the notable guests hosted by the royal couple.
As we reflect on the first year of King Charles III’s reign, it is clear that it has been a year of significant milestones and accomplishments. Despite the challenges and emotions that came with succeeding his late mother, the King has dedicated himself to his duties as monarch. From domestic engagements in all four nations of the UK to international visits and important family events, King Charles III has shown dedication and commitment in his role.
As the King begins his second year on the throne, the nation will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what further milestones and accomplishments lie ahead. The reign of King Charles III is shaping up to be one filled with tradition, diplomacy, and a commitment to serving the British people.
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