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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Zoe Forsey

King Charles III seen for first time since Queen's death as he leaves Balmoral

King Charles III has been seen for the first time since becoming Monarch following the death of his mother, The Queen.

Charles and his Queen Consort, Camilla, left the royal family's Balmoral estate this morning on their way back to London.

He sat in the back seat of the chauffer-driven car, with Camilla in the front seat, for the drive to Aberdeen airport. When they arrived on the runway they shook hands and chatted with staff.

He was carrying what appeared to be a folder or file as he made his way towards the plane.

The new King was dressed in a black suit and tie with a white shirt. His wife was also dressed all in black, as is traditional for the royal mourning period. Camilla also held a clear umbrella with a black trim to protect herself from the rain.

The couple stayed in Scotland last night along with other members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry.

For the latest updates as the world mourns the Queen and King Charles III's reign begins, follow our live blog.

(REUTERS)

Once back in the capital, Charles will have his first Audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss before delivering a speech to the nation this evening. The video will be pre-recorded and will see him pay tribute to the Queen and pledge his service to the throne.

Earlier today, Prince Harry was seen leaving Balmoral and boarding a plane back to Windsor. He was photographed being comforted by airport staff in high-vis jackets as he boarded the BA plane. He has since landed at Heathrow.

Buckingham Palace has announced a period of national mourning which will run until seven days after the Queen's funeral.

The date of the funeral has yet to be confirmed, however it's expected to be the week after next.

The couple were seen driving to Aberdeen Airport, where they will catch a flight back to London (PA)
Charles has now become King after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II (Getty Images)

The palace said on Friday morning: “Following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, it is His Majesty the King’s wish that a period of royal mourning be observed from now until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.

“The date of the funeral will be confirmed in due course.”

Royal Salutes will be fired in London on Friday at 1pm in Hyde Park by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company, with one round being fired for each year of the Queen’s life.

Charles will be officially proclaimed by the Accession Council at St James's Palace in London at 10am on Saturday morning.

A statement from Buckingham Palace said: “The Accession Council, attended by Privy Councillors, is divided into two parts. In Part I, the Privy Council, without The King present, will proclaim the Sovereign, and formally approve various consequential Orders, including the arrangements for the Proclamation.

Charles looked sombre dressed all in black (Getty Images)

“Part II, is the holding by The King of His Majesty’s first Privy Council. The King will make his Declaration and read and sign an oath to uphold the security of the Church in Scotland and approve Orders in Council which facilitate continuity of government.

“The Accession Council will be followed by the Principal Proclamation, which will be read at 11.00hrs from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James’s Palace. The Proclamation will be read by Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms. This is the first public reading of the Proclamation.”

You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here

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