‘Thank you for all your support and comfort in our grief,’ says King Charles
KING Charles thanked the people of Britain last night for their ‘comfort and support’ as he and his family prepared to say their ‘last farewell’ to Queen Elizabeth today.
His heartfelt message came as Buckingham Palace released an unseen picture of the late monarch, taken in May at Windsor Castle as part of a series of portraits to mark her historic Platinum Jubilee.
The smiling 96-year-old is pictured sporting an exquisite pair of diamond and aquamarine Cartier clips that were an 18th-birthday present from her parents, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
In his message, King Charles expressed his sincere thanks for so many kind words and gestures since his mother died on Thursday, September 8.
He said: ‘Over the last ten days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolence and support we have received from this country and across the world.
‘In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough and Cardiff we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother.
‘As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my family and myself in this time of grief.’
It came as hundreds of heads of state, royals and dignitaries flew in to pay their respects at today’s state funeral in an unprecedented display of pomp and majesty, the likes of which is unlikely to be seen again.
The palace also revealed that Prince George, nine, and Princess Charlotte, seven will walk behind her coffin at Westminster Abbey with their parents, William and Kate, while Meghan will join senior royals to follow the coffin as it processes through the Abbey.
Camilla also made a moving tribute to her late mother-in-law, highlighting the ‘difficult’ job she had as a ‘solitary’ woman leader and revealing the Queen’s ‘brilliant’ sense of humour.
Prince Andrew issued his own tribute to his ‘Dear Mummy’, praising her ‘love, compassion and care’.
More than a million people are expected to descend on London today for their chance to be part of history. Millions will tune in from all over the world, with major networks running live coverage all day. About 10,000 military personnel will be involved, while hundreds of heads of state and dignitaries will have front-row seats.