How the royal family dealt with the ‘huge loss’ (exclusive)
A source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE they are “impressed” by the smooth transition to King Charles’ rule despite “minor hiccups.”
As the first anniversary of queen elizabethAs the king’s death approaches on September 8, the royal family is still adjusting to life without their matriarch.
King Charles And Queen Camilla maintained his mother’s tradition Spending the late summer at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth spent her last weeks and died last year. While a former palace staffer describes the royal residence as a way to “keep your crown on the gatepost and put on your raincoat,” there’s no doubt that the king, queen, and other members of the royal family Visit of the property – including Prince William And Kate Middleton – have a bittersweet feeling about this return to the Scottish Highlands.
The former palace staffer tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story: “When [the royals] I’m sure they expect it when they enter a room [the Queen] to be there. Balmoral was her favorite place on earth and now it will be time to reflect on her loss.”
While Queen Elizabeth was a constant presence in British life during her 70-year reign, younger generations are skeptical of the monarchy – and King Charles and the royals are working to ensure that “the firm” – as Queen Elizabeth’s late husband, Prince Philip, known as the family, remains relevant in the UK and Commonwealth areas around the world, including Canada and Australia, where Charles is Head of State.
“It’s going to be a challenge,” says Robert Hardman, royal biographer and author of queen of our time.
In addition, there were divisions within the family Prince Harry And Megan Markle stepped down from their royal roles in 2020.
In personal and professional matters, “there is a tremendous loss,” says a source close to the royal household, “like [the Queen] played a very important role in her life. But I’m impressed with how smoothly things are progressing, despite all the little issues that are going on in the background.”
Despite the ongoing rift between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the royal family, King Charles achieved the royal role he had been waiting for as longest-serving heir to the throne. While upholding many traditions, he has also brought his own twist to the office, particularly by taking a less formal approach than his late mother to engagements.
“His ability to respond to everyone is a real plus. “It proved he’s the right man for the right moment,” says Royals author Ingrid Seward.
A palace source adds: “He’s always very warm to people and curious about their lives.”
King Charles at Balmoral Castle on August 21, 2023″ src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/K2v.EDgTMND6OtSRwzy_AQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs. com/en/people_218/d7585de34b0e340e049ebe7dbdd34e3c” class=”caas-img”/>
Jane Barlow/PA Images via Getty
King Charles at Balmoral Castle on August 21, 2023
The Prince and Princess of Wales have also worked to advance their most important causes while balancing life as parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Getting it right is key and “something they think about every day,” adds a source close to the family.
They honor the deceased queen.
“The prince was incredibly close to his grandmother,” the source continues. “She was such a big part of his life and a real supporter of his work and I’m sure he and the princess will miss her presence.”
Related: Queen Elizabeth’s special bond with her famous corgis is immortalized in a new statue
King Charles and Queen Camilla will commemorate the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death in peaceful reflection at the Balmoral estate in Scotland on Friday. They can be at her home in Birkhall or at the castle itself. A source told the PEOPLE that they would spend it “quietly and privately” – just as the late Queen honored her late father, King George, on her own accession day.
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It’s now Prince William and Princess Kate He is expected to preside over the public tributes to Queen Elizabeth.
Traditions that continue include the ringing of the bells at Westminster Abbey – where the coronations of Queen Elizabeth and her eldest son took place – on September 8 in honor of King Charles’ accession day abbey already announced. In another tribute, a 21-gun salute will be fired in the Royal Parks of London as a mark of respect on the day of King Charles’ and the royal family’s accession to the throne website specified.
King Charles and Queen Elizabeth at Trooping the Color in June 2022″ src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/tP8Bws5qHyUb0xKg1q7ABg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MQ–/https://media.zenfs. com/en/people_218/7de10bb370ed2a80d99e704b5df44c57″ class=”caas-img”/>
Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty
King Charles and Queen Elizabeth at Trooping the Color in June 2022
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