King Charles says the Royal Family has been ‘deeply touched’ by the outpouring of emotion for the Queen as the nation prepares to say a final goodbye.
His heartfelt words came as Her Majesty was shown beaming in a pearl necklace and earrings in a photograph released tonight.
Taken in May at Windsor Castle by Ranald Mackechnie, the photo also recalled memories of the Queen’s long life by picturing her in a pair of aquamarine brooches Her Majesty received on her 18th birthday in 1944.
After visiting all four UK countries since his mother’s death on September 8, the King said: “Over the last 10 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.”
At 8pm on Sunday the nation joined in a minute’s silent remembrance.
At 6.30am on Monday the Queen’s lying in state will be brought to an end.
An estimated one million people queued for up to 24 hours to make the pilgrimage to pay their respects over four days.
At 11am today 2,000 mourners, including more than 100 world leaders and heads of state, will pack into Westminster Abbey. With them will be 500 royal figures and hundreds of handpicked community heroes.
After the funeral service – at around 11.55am – there will be a nationwide two-minute silence. Security chiefs are prepared for crowds of up to two million to gather in London.
A separate service for more than 800 of the Queen’s staff throughout her reign will be held at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
She will be buried at 7.30pm at the King George VI Memorial Chapel in Windsor Castle, joining her husband of 73 years Prince Philip.
Camilla the Queen Consort last night paid homage to Her Majesty for being “a solitary woman” in a world historically dominated by men throughout her 70-year reign. The King, accompanied by his wife and the Prince and Princess of Wales, last night welcomed world leaders including US President Joe Biden and France’s Emmanuel Macron. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska was also invited to the King’s reception.
President Macron and wife Brigitte gave the King a book of pictures celebrating the Queen’s visits to France. The Prince and Princess of Wales have decided that their two eldest children – future king Prince George, nine and Princess Charlotte, seven – will attend the Abbey service but not the evening committal at Windsor Castle.
Prince Louis, four, was judged too young to go to either ceremony.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said last night of mourning the Queen: “We will not be alone. All across the world – especially in her beloved Commonwealth – people will pay their respects.
“It will be a fitting tribute to someone who inspired adoration far beyond these shores and who will be remembered as the greatest monarch in our great nation’s history.”
He went on: “Over the 70 years of her reign, Britain changed beyond all recognition. But she remained a point of stillness even when all else was in flux.” Though his mother stripped him of most of his titles following a scandal, the Duke of York paid tribute to her yesterday, saying: “Dear Mummy, Mother, Your Majesty, three in one. Your Majesty, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you.
“Mother – of the nation, your devotion and personal service to our nation is unique and singular.
“Your people show their love and respect in so many different ways and I know you are looking on honouring their respect.
“Mummy, your love for a son, your compassion, your care, your confidence I will treasure forever.
“I have found your knowledge and wisdom infinite, with no boundary or containment. I will miss your insights, advice and humour. As our book of experiences closes, another opens, and I will forever hold you close to my heart with my deepest love and gratitude, and I will tread gladly into the next with you as my guide.”
Andrew accompanied his words with a photo of his mother holding him as a newborn in 1960.
Andrew stepped down from public life in 2019 over his friendship with the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He went on to pay millions to settle a civil sexual assault case to a woman he claimed never to have met.
The Queen removed all of her second son’s honorary military roles, including Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and he gave up his HRH style.
Andrew closed his statement with a tribute to his brother Charles, saying simply: “God save the King.”
