A devastated Sophie Wessex looked close to tears as she viewed the sea of tributes for her beloved mother-in-law the Queen outside of Balmoral.
Sophie shared a special relationship with the monarch and their bond had previously been described as like a mother and daughter, full of love and respect. Today, the Countess of Wessex along with several of the Queen's children and grandchildren attended a prayer service at Crathie Kirk before greeting wellwishers at the gates of the castle where the monarch died. In emotional scenes, Sophie clutched her daughter Lady Louise Windsor's hand as they walked past those who had gathered at the estate.
She was then seen with red eyes as she crouched down to read the tributes and dropped her head into her hands.
The Queen's other granddaughters Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie and Zara Tindall were also moved to tears as they made their way from the church back to the castle.
Also looking at the tributes and greeting the crowds were Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Peter Phillips, Princess Anne and her husband Sir Timothy Laurence.
The crowd of well-wishers at Balmoral broke out into a round of applause as the royal family waved to them as they headed back into the castle grounds.
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As wife to the Queen's youngest son Edward, Sophie isn't a senior member of the family but is often described as their "secret weapon".
Personally, the Queen has invited her to travel to several church services together and they're said to watch old movies together.
Last year, after the death of the Prince Philip, a royal source said Sophie has been a "tremendous source of comfort to the Queen."
They added: "Sophie cherishes her relationship with the Queen and not only appreciates her guidance and wisdom throughout her own life, she is very protective of her.
“Their bond is very like a mother and daughter and the feeling of love and respect is quite mutual.
"It is very special.”
Meanwhile, it has been a momentous day for King Charles, who has been formally proclaimed monarch at the Accession Council and will now host a number of audiences at Buckingham Palace.
More than 200 privy councillors, made up of mostly senior politicians past and present including former prime ministers, were present to hear the Clerk of the Council read the proclamation.
He made a personal declaration on the death of the Queen saying: "I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered.
"Her reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."
The new King has a busy few days ahead, as he is now preparing to embark on a tour of the country in the days before the funeral to meet his new subjects as millions around Britain unite in their sorrow.
* This weekend, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special filled with all the key moments from Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror to get poth pullouts.
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here.
