Thread: The Reign of King Charles III begins

Originally Posted by Norton

Kings are something of centuries long past.

Agreed.


Especially with that 'Presidents' thing going so well lately.

• 101-year-old letter from Queen Mother to go up for auction

To think that a letter from a future queen became a bookmark for a book sold in a second-hand store is remarkable, and now it’s going up for auction.

Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon sent a thank you letter to Mrs. Carmichael from Dundee, Scotland, on 27 January 1923, shortly after her engagement to Prince Albert, Duke of York was announced.

It later wound up as a bookmark and was found nestled into a book at a second-hand store, and was passed down by members of a Brighton family for generations afterwards.

On 26 February it will officially go up for sale with Hansons Auctioneers, where it’s estimated to go for between £400-£600.

The letter is mostly typewritten, as the future Queen Mother insisted on writing personal thank you notes after her engagement was announced. She mentions this in the letter, telling Mrs. Carmichael that she asks forgiveness for the short letter since she has so many to write, “And also this typewritten letter, but my hand has almost given out!”

Attached to the letter is a small photograph of the Queen Mother with a woman, who may be Mrs. Carmichael. The envelope is also included in the lot.

A paper specialist with Hansons Auctioneers noted that this was likely a prized possession, and said that the completeness of the lot “suggests it was treasured by Mrs Carmichael. Perhaps she placed it inside a book to keep it flat and, overtime, mislaid it.”

The seller remains anonymous on Hansons Auctioneers’ website, but said the letter “belonged to my grandmother who found it in a second-hand book she had purchased. It was being used as a bookmark. It was passed on to my mum, who sadly died in 2019 whereupon it became mine. It would have been purchased in Aberdeen in the late 1920s I believe. My family originate from there. Having said that, my great grandma was from Dundee where she worked in the jute mills, so that’s also a possible link.”

Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon were married on 26 April 1923 at Westminster Abbey. Their two children were Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret. In 1936, following the abdication of King Edward VIII, Albert ascended the throne as George VI and reigned until his death in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lived until 2002, dying at the age of 101.

Queen Mother’s 101-Year-Old Letter Found

• King Charles, Queen Camilla Support Lady Gabriella amid Husband's Death

King Charles and Queen Camilla Send 'Heartfelt Prayers' to Lady Gabriella After Husband's 'Shock' Death

King Charles and Queen Camilla are supporting Lady Gabriella following the unexpected death of her husband, Thomas Kingston.

It was announced on Tuesday that Kingston, a British financier, died at age 45 on Sunday. A cause of death has not been determined, but no suspicious circumstances or other parties are involved.

A palace spokesperson said on Tuesday, "The King and The Queen have been informed of Thomas’s death and join Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and all those who knew him in grieving a much-loved member of the family. In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family."

A statement released on behalf of Lady Gabriella, Martin and Jill Kingston, Joanna Connolly and Emma Murray said, "It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother. Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family, and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing."

Lady Gabriella, 42, is the only daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, who is first cousins with Queen Elizabeth.

Lady Gabriella and Kingston's bond with King Charles, 76, and Queen Camilla, 75, was often displayed during public outings. In June 2023, the foursome cheered together from the Royal Box at Royal Ascot as the King and Queen's horse competed.

Less than two weeks ago, Lady Gabriella and Kingston joined Queen Camilla at a Celebration of Shakespeare event on Feb. 14.

Lady Gabriella and Kingston often joined the royal family at events in recent years such as a memorial service for Prince Philip in March 2022, Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022 and Queen Elizabeth's funeral in Sept. 2022.

Many members of the royal family also attended Lady Gabriella and Kingston's May 2019 wedding at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry (making a surprise appearance just weeks after his son was born).

Hours before news of Kingston's death was made public, Queen Camilla joined Lady Gabriella's parents, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and other royal family members at the service of Thanksgiving at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle honoring King Constantine of Greece, who died last year.

The late King of Greece was a godfather to Lady Gabriella, and she attended his funeral last year on behalf of Prince William, who was also one of Constantine's godchildren. Although Prince William dropped out of attending the service on Tuesday due to personal reasons, it's understood that his absence was not connected to Kingston's death.

King Charles did not attend the service in honor of King Constantine as he continued to stay largely out of the public eye amid his cancer treatment. The monarch revealed his cancer diagnosis publicly earlier this month.

• King Charles shares 'shock' of cancer diagnosis with patients

King Charles spoke to patients about the "shock" of hearing a cancer diagnosis - as he returned to public engagements with a hospital visit.

The King was asked by a patient how he was feeling while he had his own cancer treatment: "I'm all right, thanks. Not too bad," the King replied.

Looking relaxed and smiling, the King visited a specialist cancer centre in central London with Queen Camilla.

It was his first big public appearance since his cancer diagnosis.

The King, who has become Cancer Research UK's new patron, was shown some of the innovative medical technology at the Macmillan Cancer Centre at University College London Hospital.

But there was a sense of shared human experience as he sat down to chat to patients about the treatment they were receiving - sympathising that he had his own "treatment this afternoon as well".

There was recognition of the impact of a cancer diagnosis.

"It's always a bit of a shock isn't it, when they tell you," agreed the King, as he spoke to Lesley Woodbridge, 63, from Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire.

Her husband Roger spoke with Queen Camilla about the impact on them. "I said to her 'How do you feel?" ... She just said 'It's just so difficult' and we both agreed," Mr Woodbridge said.

"We've all got to stick together," another patient told the King, while others discussed painful side effects such as mouth ulcers and exhaustion.

There was also a message of modern treatments allowing people to keep going with their lives, with one patient telling the King he was continuing to work in his job at the Royal Opera House.

"One of my favourite places. It restores my spirit," said the King.

The visit was intended to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer diagnosis and follows the King's decision to make his own health issues public, in the hope it will encourage others to seek checks.

On the hospital visit, he said the challenge is "to get enough people early".

In terms of the King's own health, the hospital's chief executive David Probert said the King was showing plenty of "energy" going round the hospital. He was using the stairs rather than the lift.

Asha Millen, 60, who is receiving chemotherapy, said the King had told her: "I'm well".

When the King arrived at the hospital in the royal Bentley, someone shouted: "Are you glad to be back?"

He replied with that kind of cheerful but indistinct noise that sounds like agreeing with someone without being pinned down to anything specific. Alphabetti spaghetti without any of the vowels.

The King then went inside the hospital to loud cheers from the staff and patients waiting inside.

He seemed well and was quick to listen to the stories of many people who had arrived for their own cancer treatment.

They included 11-year-old Ellis Edwards, who is receiving radiotherapy and was given a special present of three books by Queen Camilla - plus a big chocolate coin.

The royal visit was a "really nice distraction", said the boy's mother Carly, from Southampton, as they face regular trips to hospital. "He's really brave and a superstar so it's great he can do something nice. He deserves it," she said.

The first visit of the year comes after a Buckingham Palace statement last week revealed a more positive message about his health.

Aside from an Easter church service, the King has stayed away from public events since his treatment for an unspecified form of cancer began.

But the King's doctors were said to be "very encouraged by the progress made so far".

Although the mood music about the King's health is more positive, it remains a cautious optimism, with the King's cancer treatment still continuing and no date announced for its completion so far.

However, he is expected to be sufficiently well to host a state visit from the Emperor and Empress of Japan in late June, which forms part of his role as head of state.

Despite his recent convalescence, the King has carried on with his constitutional role, including regular private meetings with the prime minister.

Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether the King will be able to attend some of the key royal events taking place in the weeks ahead, including Trooping the Colour, garden parties and D-Day commemorations.

Decisions on whether he will be able to take part will be made following medical advice nearer the time, but the King's summer schedule is likely to be reduced, or adapted, while he continues his recovery.

• King Charles Plans for Late Queen Elizabeth's Charities Revealed

King Charles, Queen Camilla and Royal Family Members to Take Over Hundreds of Queen Elizabeth's Charities

The fate of some of Queen Elizabeth’s many charitable causes has been revealed following her death in September 2022.

On May 3, Buckingham Palace shared a major update about the royal patronage review of the organizations that Queen Elizabeth formally supported. It’s understood that the Queen was a patron of 492 groups at the time of her death and 376 will be retained by King Charles, Queen Camilla or other members of the royal family.

"Following His Majesty The King’s Accession in September 2022, a major review of more than 1,000 Royal Patronages and charity Presidencies has been undertaken. To mark the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, the conclusions will be shared with relevant organizations in the coming week," the palace said in a statement, referring to the upcoming anniversary of the crowning ceremony on May 6.

In addition to retaining many of the patronages that they held before the change of reign, King Charles and Queen Camilla "are pleased to continue the patronage of a great variety of charities and organizations previously supported by Queen Elizabeth II."

"Other members of the royal family will also take on the patronage of a number of organizations previously supported by the late Queen, to add to their existing portfolios," they added.

The extensive review of over 1,000 patronages included organizations that King Charles, 75, and Queen Camilla, 76, were connected to as patrons or presidents when they were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall. It’s understood that a few of the late Prince Philip’s patronages were involved in the process as well.

Looking ahead, 367 of the 441 groups affiliated with King Charles before his accession will be retained by the King or other members of the royal family. Ninety-one of the 100 groups linked to Queen Camilla when she was the Duchess of Cornwall will follow the same protocol.

King Charles will continue supporting the Royal British Legion, the largest Armed Forces charity of the U.K., by notably stepping into the role of patron, which his late mother held from her accession in 1952 until her death. The monarch will also become patron of two Commonwealth-related organizations, Royal Commonwealth Society and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

The King will retain previous patronages highlighting causes dedicated to conservation, culture and community support, while his wife takes on several new groups from her later mother-in-law. In the shift, Queen Camila will take on the patronage of the Royal Literary Fund, Royal Academy of Dance (stepping up from her vice-patron post) and the Royal Voluntary Service, taking on the new post after serving as president.

The Queen will also become the President of the Sandringham branch of the Women’s Institute, calling for a look into the different definitions of patron and president. Patrons are formal supporters whose link acknowledges the organization’s achievements and helps increase public awareness of their work, while presidents may take on more direct engagement.

It’s standard for the monarch to be patron rather than president, and members of the royal family are not involved with the governance or daily operations of the organizations they support.

The royal patronage review began following the death of Queen Elizabeth and accession of King Charles in September 2022 but isn’t finished quite yet. It’s understood that another round of review will take place for the patronages held through the 14 Commonwealth Realms where King Charles is similarly head of state.

While the full list of rearranged patronages remains isn’t yet accessible, the announcement of one of the King’s new affiliations coincided with an emotional engagement this week.

On April 30, the King resumed public-facing royal duties for the first time since Buckingham Palace announced he was receiving cancer treatment, where it was revealed that he is the new patron of Cancer Research U.K., taking over a post previously held by Queen Elizabeth.

During the stop, King Charles spoke with several patients and shared that he was going for treatment later that day.

"I think he was really thrilled to be out," Queen Camilla was quoted as saying the following day about her husband’s enthusiastic return to public work, according to the Daily Mail.

"I've been trying to hold him back," she added.

reuters.com

King Charles coronation: First anniversary plans laid bare

Oh man, spamdeath's really cranking the spam out tonight.

Just wait until the 6^th

To celebrate the first anniversary of King Charles's coronation, a royal gun salute resonated through London's Green Park, with cannons firing 41 times.

Following this historic event, the Honourable Artillery Company will perform a majestic 62-gun salute from Tower Wharf, situated along the scenic banks of the River Thames.

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• King Charles marks one year on throne with special appeal to his fans, netizens say ‘God Save the King’

On April 6, 2023, King Charles was crowned at Westminster Abbey following death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. It's been an year since the world witnessed his grand Coronation ceremony.

In order to mark the monarch's first anniversary of his Coronation, Royal Family on Monday urged their fans and supporters to share their favourite memories of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's. The event comes following a challenging year for the King that included his cancer diagnosis and ongoing difficulties with his estranged son Prince Harry

While no official events were planned to mark the milestone, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired-gun salute, followed by 62 volleys fired from another central London location.

As his ascension is so closely linked to Queen Elizabeth II's death, Charles is considered to wish to observe the occasion 'in his mother's mould' with little fanfare.

Taking to their official handle, the Royal Family tweeted: 'Today celebrates the first anniversary of The King and Queen's Coronation in Westminster Abbey."

“As well as the service itself, the Coronation Weekend saw a carriage procession through central London, a fly-past, a Royal Salute by 4,000 troops in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, a Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle and a UK-wide volunteering initiative. What's your favourite memory of the weekend?”

The video that accompanied the tweet included clips of highlights like as the carriage parade, concert, and meeting of King Charles with his royal fans.

In another tweet, the Royal family shared the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage's coronation experience, which was detailed in a poem written by him ‘An Unexpected Guest’.

Last year, Prince Harry, King's estranged son and the Duke of Sussex, also attended the historic occasion despite his tensed relationship with father and brother Prince William.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Canterbury praised Charles for his 'sense of responsibility' in returning to public events after being diagnosed with cancer.

Justin Welby issues statement

Justin Welby, a Member of the United Kingdom's House of Lords, said in a statement that King's crowning was a 'privilege of a lifetime', and he also praised the monarch's "openness in sharing his condition"- a "characteristic of his willingness to help and support others".

“The past year has presented the King with some great personal challenges. But I have been struck by his continued sense of duty, having recently returned to royal engagements following treatment,” he stated.

“His openness in sharing his condition has been characteristic of his willingness to help and support others. I continue to pray for King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Royal Family. May God guide, comfort and strengthen them in their service to us all,” the statement added.

Netizens extended wishes to King Charles: "God Save the King'

Meanwhile, ‘God Save the King’ started trending on X, with one user, writing, “I still cannot believe it’s been a year! I still go back and watch the ceremony as it was so beautiful.”

"God Save the King" or "God Save the Queen"is the UK's national anthem and the royal anthem of each of the British Crown Dependencies.

“One year already... Time goes too quickly,” another user said.

“It was truly a most excellent weekend here in The Capital and all around the World, your Majesty. What a splendid Coronation celebration! Godspeed, Sir and Long Live our Noble King and Queen,” one more chimed on King Charles' post.

One year on, a low-key Coronation anniversary for King Charles