Commemorative Service Marking Queen Elizabeth II’s First Anniversary of Death
Prince William and Kate paid their respects to Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her death with a small private service at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the cathedral, marking a year since the passing of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch. Their arrival was eagerly awaited by crowds who gathered at the cathedral grounds, although fog near the area led to the delay of their helicopter and a later arrival than planned.
Delay Due to Fog
Originally scheduled to arrive at 12.25pm, the royal couple didn’t land until around 1.30pm. Despite the delay, they greeted well-wishers before proceeding to a ten-minute service inside the cathedral. During the service, Kate, wearing earrings that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth II, placed a floral tribute of white roses in front of a photograph of the late Queen. Following this gesture, both William and Kate stood in quiet contemplation for about 10 seconds before leaving.
Significance of St Davids Cathedral
The Very Revd Dr. Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St Davids, welcomed the Prince and Princess of Wales and emphasized the significance of their visit. St Davids Cathedral held a special place in Queen Elizabeth II’s heart, as she had visited it four times during her reign. She was the only monarch to sit in the Sovereign’s stall, a seat in the cathedral’s quire. St Davids was recognized as Britain’s smallest city in 1994 at Queen Elizabeth’s request, due to its important Christian heritage and status as a city in the last century.
Charles and Camilla’s Tribute
At the same time, Prince Charles and Camilla paid their respects to the late Queen with a special service at Crathie Kirk in Scotland. They were visibly moved by the warm wishes from crowds and received bouquets from well-wishers.
Charles’s Reflection on Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy
In a break from tradition, Prince Charles issued a heartfelt message in honor of his mother. He recalled Queen Elizabeth’s “long life, devoted service, and all she meant to so many of us.” This change in approach reflects Charles’s appreciation of the global outpouring of grief and respect for his mother’s remarkable life and public service.
Unseen Portrait of Queen Elizabeth
As part of the commemoration, a previously unseen portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was shared on the royal family’s official social media page. The photograph, taken by Cecil Beaton in October 1968, depicts the Queen at Buckingham Palace when she was 42 years old. In the image, Queen Elizabeth is dressed in a lilac gown, wearing the Cambridge pearl pendant brooch. The portrait was chosen by Prince Charles and has not been released to the general public until now. It was accompanied by a message that marked Queen Elizabeth’s birth and death dates, emphasizing her lasting memory.
Conclusion
The anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death was marked with these heartfelt tributes and commemorations, underscoring her enduring legacy and the affection she garnered throughout her reign. The royal family, along with the nation, remembered her with respect and admiration on this solemn occasion.
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