The Royal Family remembers the Queen
How they marked one year on from Her Majesty’s death
Despite being the date of King Charles’ accession, September 8 will forever be one of mourning for the Royal Family – the sad day the grandmother of the nation, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away.
The new monarch spent the day quietly, staying at Balmoral Castle itself, where the Queen passed away, this time last year, before returning to his home on the estate, Birkhall. To mark the anniversary, the King released a favourite image of his mother, taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968, when she was 42.
He also recorded a message. “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us,” he said. “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”
The King and Queen joined a service at Crathie Kirk and the Prince and Princess of Wales visited St Davids Cathedral in Wales, where they attended a small service, to commemorate the life of the late Queen and lay a wreath in front of her portrait. They also posted a photo of the late monarch, surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, writing, “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.”
Other members of the family also honoured the monarch – Prince Harry was photographed visiting St George’s Chapel, Windsor, where the Queen is buried and said in his speech at the WellChild Awards on Thursday, “She would have been the first person to insist I still come to be with you all instead of going to her and that’s precisely why I know, exactly one year on, that she is looking down on all of us tonight, happy we’re continuing to spotlight such an incredible community.”
Sarah, Duchess of York, posted on Instagram, “You were a wonderful friend, a mentor, a second mother to me and grandmother to my daughters who share so much of your courage and heart. You will always be loved and missed by our family and our nation.” And we got the update we all wanted, when she posted a photo of the Queen’s corgis Sandy and Muick and said they were doing well. Bless.
And Princess Eugenie posted, “Thinking of you today. Missing you so much but remembering what a life of service, love and dedication to everyone and to your family, who loved you so very much. Forever grateful to you. And always in my heart.”
Birthday boy Harry puts in the air miles
Prince Harry turns 39 on Friday and he’s certainly keeping busy, flying from California to London and on to Düsseldorf, Germany in what is arguably his biggest week of the year.
Harry returned very briefly to the UK for a charity close to his heart, WellChild. Patron since 2007, the Duke was all smiles as he attended the WellChild Awards on Thursday. Chatting to one boy, the royal was delighted to receive a personalised ice hockey shirt, with ‘84’ the year he was was born emblazoned on it. A perfect gift for the birthday prince. He confessed to one family that Meghan was “very upset that she couldn't be here”.
Meghan was on his mind again come Saturday evening, during the opening ceremony of the 6th Invictus Games in Düsseldorf. At the end of his seven-minute speech, welcoming all 500 competitors to the week-long event, including the Nigerian team to their first games, Harry joked, “I’m not saying we have favourites in my home, but since my wife discovered she is of Nigerian descent, it’s going to be a little more competitive this year.”
Meghan revealed on her Archetypes podcast last October that she was “43 per cent Nigerian”. The Duchess is expected to join Harry later this week at the Games. Packing some birthday cake, we hope.
William gets a smacker from Gazza in Pret
Yes, that’s a headline we never thought we’d write. On Thursday, Prince William’s visit to a Pret a Manger in Bournemouth got a surprise twist when footballer Paul Gascoigne appeared in the crowd and kissed him on the cheek.
William was there with entrepreneur Steven Bartlett to promote his Homewards project to combat homelessness. It was reported he had no idea Gazza would be there, too. Back of the net.
Hippy Hogwarts’ new pupil, Spain’s Princess Sophia
By enrolling at UWC Atlantic in Wales, often nicknamed “hippie Hogwarts,” Princess Sofia, the daughter of King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia is following in the footsteps of her older sister, Princess Leonor, who graduated in May.
The private sixth form college (United World College of the Atlantic in Wales) was opened in 1962 by Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun, with the aim of promoting peace and cooperation during the Cold War. However, its buildings date much further back. It’s called “hippie Hogwarts” because the boarding school is based at St Donat’s Castle, a 12th century Welsh castle set in 122 acres of woodland, farmland and its own seafront.
It’s very popular with European royalty and, along with Sophia’s sister, former pupils include Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant, Belgium’s future queen and King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and Princess Raiyah bint Al Hussein of Jordan. Her mum, Queen Noor is the honorary president.
Charles stamps his mark
The Royal List’s Maria was very excited when Charles paid her a home visit, in the form of her first King Charles stamp received in the post. Unlike his beloved mother, Charles does not wear a crown, which is the usual tradition for male monarchs.
And there’s more from us in WW’s souvenir issue
We know you are spoiled for commemorative content choice on the newsstands this week, but we can highly recommend Woman’s Weekly Royals special. Not least because The Royal List’s Kerry and Maria contributed several features to this wonderful celebration of Her Late Majesty’s life and legacy. On sale now at all good newsagents and supermarkets.