LONDON (AP) — King Charles III attended the church near the Royal Balmoral Estate in Scotland for prayers and reflection in memory of his mother Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday, the second anniversary of her death.
Charles, 75, and his wife Camilla have spent the summer in the Scottish Highlands, where the late monarch died aged 96 on September 8, 2022.
Charles and Camilla were seen arriving for the Sunday morning service at the small granite Crathie Kirk, the royal family’s place of worship when they live at nearby Balmoral Castle. Charles’ great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, laid the foundation stone of the church and Elizabeth was a regular attendee.
Charles ascended the throne two years ago on Sunday when his mother died on her platinum jubilee after reigning for seven decades.
His second year as a sovereign was marked by two significant health setbacks – both Charles and his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Walesannounced they were diagnosed with unspecified types of cancer earlier this year.
The monarch has gradually returned to public duties, making dozens of visits, meetings and events. On Saturday, Charles, wearing a tartan kilt, and Camilla were seen laughing and in good spirits as they attended the Braemar Gathering Highland Games, an annual event featuring bagpipes, Highland dancing and traditional games including tug-of-war.