Members of the public expressed their heartfelt condolences to King Charles III when he arrived at Buckingham Palace earlier today (September 9) for the first time as the nation's new monarch. Charles and the Queen Consort travelled to the head of state's official residence from Balmoral to view floral tributes left in memory of his mother, and to thank the crowds for offering their sympathy.
In a touching moment, Charles put his hand around his wife who appeared close to tears after the couple shook every outstretched hand and acknowledged words of sympathy from the crowds during a 15-minute walkabout at the place gates. There was an outpouring of support for the new monarch and his wife from well-wishers, with one calling out "God save the King" when the couple first arrived, another shouting out "we love you King Charles and we loved your mum", and spontaneous cheering.
There was an impromptu rendition of the national anthem from parts of the crowd, with the words changed to reflect the country now has a King, while another section shouted "hip, hip hooray". Emma Spreckley, 43, had travelled to Buckingham Palace with her friend Jacqueline Southwick, 55, from their homes in Mitcham, south London.
