One year after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her royal family remembers their beloved monarch with affection. Her eldest son, King Charles III, wrote an official Balmoral Castle statement in Scotland to mark the anniversary. He spoke about his deep affection for her enduring service and how she made a lasting mark on so many lives. The king also thanked all those who have supported him and his wife in their efforts to serve the people during the past 12 months.

King Charles III assumed the throne on May 6, ushering in Britain's first new monarch since 1948 and almost three quarters of a century after Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle aged 96 on September 8, 2022. Queen Elizabeth had been Britain’s longest-reigning monarch since taking the throne at only age 25 in 1952 following the death of her father, King George VI.

Beyond King Charles III’s tribute, Prince Harry—the Duke of Sussex—stepped off a British Airways plane coming from California to attend and accept the award for his patronage charity, WellChild. The event was at St. James’ Palace in London, where Prince Harry spoke to children who benefit from the charity as they deal with serious illnesses.

Reflecting on his absence from the awards ceremony just one year ago because of his grandmother’s death, Prince Harry said that Queen Elizabeth II would encourage him to be out there amongst this community today. He added that she’d be smiling seeing everyone together here today, continuing to support this remarkable community.

Prince Harry had cancelled last year’s appearance at the awards ceremony after Queen Elizabeth got ill herself while at Balmoral Castle.