The royal family came together in a moment of unity and grief at a private church service in Balmoral to honor the late Queen.
Princess Anne, Prince Edward, and Prince Andrew led the heartbroken royals as they paused to read tributes and share emotional embraces.
Prince Andrew, who had been exiled from public life following a controversial interview, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support for his mother.
Dressed in a smart suit with a white shirt and black tie, Prince Andrew reflected on the process of saying goodbye to his mother, stating, “We’ve been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing her on.”
Cameras captured the poignant moment when he embraced his family members, including his brother Prince Edward and sister-in-law Sophie, Countess of Wessex, upon arriving at Balmoral.
The Queen’s children, grandchildren, and close family members gathered for a prayer service at Crathie Kirk before taking a moment to read tributes and admire the flowers left by well-wishers.
Prince Edward, accompanied by his wife and daughter, expressed gratitude to those who had traveled to show their support, acknowledging the efforts made to pay respects to the beloved monarch.
As King Charles III was formally declared the nation’s new monarch during a somber meeting at St James’s Palace in London, people continued to leave flowers and tributes at Balmoral Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
A visitor left a copy of Michael Bond’s book Paddington at the Rainbow’s End with a heartfelt note, symbolizing a final tribute to the Queen’s legacy.
Authorities in Aberdeenshire urged people not to drive to Balmoral Castle for floral tributes, instead recommending the use of park and ride services from nearby villages.
At the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, security guards facilitated the laying of flowers by removing plastic wrapping for environmental reasons, allowing families and individuals to pay their respects.
Families from near and far traveled to Balmoral to honor the Queen’s memory.
Ewan Masson and his family expressed gratitude for the Queen’s decades of service, while Nicola Williams emphasized the Queen’s enduring presence in their lives.
Visitors like William Bottomley and Philippa paid their respects, acknowledging the significance of honoring a remarkable woman.
Among the crowds paying their respects, Jackie McIntosh and her companions traveled from Aberdeen to witness the royal family’s interactions with the public.
Prince Andrew’s genuine inquiries about their wait time and origins resonated with onlookers, highlighting the human side of the royal family amidst their shared loss.
As the outpouring of support and tributes continued, the royal family’s presence at Balmoral served as a poignant reminder of the Queen’s enduring legacy and the impact she had on the lives of many.
The somber yet heartfelt moments shared at the estate reflected a nation in mourning, coming together to honor a beloved figure.
