King reflects on loss of Elizabeth II in first anniversary of accession message

       King Charles has led national and international salutes to his "darling mama" to mark the first anniversary of her death.

       The sovereign led national and international salutes to Queen Elizabeth II, who died on this day last year aged 96, in her Platinum Jubilee year.

       The message pays tribute to her lifetime of sacrifice and duty and also thanks the public for their continued support.

       The King, 74, said: “In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty’s death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.

       “I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.”

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       King Charles has shared a message to mark the first anniversary of the Queen's death (Image: Getty)

       The King personally chose a picture of the Queen to share today (Image: PA)

       He signed off the message, written on headed paper from Balmoral Castle, Charles R.

       Accompanying the message, the King has personally chosen an image of his late mother from the Royal Family archives to mark the anniversary.

       It shows the Queen aged 42, in a photograph taken at Buckingham Palace on 16 October 1968 as part of an official sitting granted to Cecil Beaton.

       She is in her mantle of dark blue velvet lined with white satin which she wore every year for the Service of the Order of the Garter held in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

       The King signed off the message Charles R (Image: PA)

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       Charles is currently in Balmoral, the final resting place of the Queen and where he rushed to be by her side before she passed peacefully.

       He will mark tomorrow privately alongside his wife Queen Camilla.

       The King's son and heir Prince William is instead expected to lead public tributes to his grandmother.

       Charles often affectionatel referred to his mother as his "darling mama", including in his TV address on the day after her death.

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