King Charles paid a moving tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Mother’s Day this morning.
His Majesty shared a black and white photo on social media of him kissing his ‘dear mama’s hand’ during a polo match in 1985.
He captioned the photo alongside a pink flower emoji: “Wishing all mothers, and those missing their mothers today, a peaceful Mother’s Sunday.”
Queen Elizabeth II died ‘peacefully’ at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022 in Balmoral. All her children rushed to be by her side after doctors became ‘concerned’ about her health.
Hours later, she died surrounded by her family as Buckingham Palace announced her death.
King Charles paid a moving tribute to his ‘dear mum’ on Mother’s Day, writing: ‘Wishing all mothers, and those who miss their mothers today, a peaceful Mother’s Sunday’
Charles and Queen Elizabeth II stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the platinum pageant in June 2022
The then Princess Elizabeth pictured with her daughter Princess Anne and a young Prince Charles in 1951
Queen Elizabeth II looks down on Princess Anne outside Balmoral with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip and Prince Charles
Her death certificate showed that she died of ‘old age’.
Her eldest son became King Charles III after her death and in a moving tribute he spoke of his ‘greatest sorrow’.
“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.
“We deeply mourn the passing of a beloved Sovereign and a dearly beloved mother.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt across the country, the Empire and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
‘During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and supported by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.’
The moving tribute on Mother’s Day comes after Charles stepped back from public duties following his shock cancer diagnosis.
Last month, Buckingham Palace announced that the 75-year-old monarch had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer, picked up after doctors treated an enlarged prostate.
Charles kisses the hand of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, after she presented him with the Royal Horticultural Society Victoria Medal of Honor in May 2009
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward wave to the crowd from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, during the Trooping of the Color in 1964
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle with their children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and little Prince Edward in 1965
In his message, Charles said: “On the occasion of the first anniversary of Her Majesty’s death and my accession, we remember with great affection her long life, dedicated service and all she meant to so many of us.”
He has stepped back from public engagements, with other members of the royal family, including his power and Queen Camilla, stepping up to the plate.
Charles paid a moving tribute to his beloved mother as the country marked the first anniversary of her death in 2023.
In an unprecedented break with tradition, demonstrating how moved he was by the country’s grief at her passing, but also by its pride in a distinguished life of public duty, His Majesty recalled the “long life, the devoted service of his mother and everything she meant to so many’. us’.
In his message, Charles said: ‘On the occasion of the first anniversary of Her Majesty’s death and my accession, we remember with great affection her long life, dedicated service and all she meant to so many of us.
“I am also deeply grateful for the love and support I have shown to my wife and myself this year as we do our utmost to serve you all.”
It was signed by Charles R and accompanied by a portrait chosen by the king that has never before been released to the general public. The photo was taken at Buckingham Palace on October 16, 1968, as part of an official hearing granted to the legendary Cecil Beaton – the last he would ever undertake with Her Majesty before he died.
Queen Elizabeth II pictured at Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward in circa 1965
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward don’t let the rain deter them as they attend the July 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada
The king apparently chose the photo because of the ‘beautiful’ – and somewhat mischievous – look in the eyes of his mother, who was 42 at the time.
His tribute was echoed by that of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said: “On the solemn anniversary of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III and the entire Royal Family.
“With the perspective of a year, the scale of Her Majesty’s service only seems greater. Her commitment to the nations of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth only seems to deepen. And our gratitude for such an extraordinary life of duty and dedication only continues to grow.
“I cherish my memories of the times I met Her Majesty, especially the private audience I had with her at Buckingham Palace before presenting my first Budget as Chancellor. I was struck by her wisdom, by her incredible warmth and grace, but also by her sharp humor.’