It is the first time they have been seen in public since the Queen’s death on Thursday. The granddaughters joined in looking at bouquets from Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrix, Prince Edward, Sophie Countess of Wessex, their daughter Lady Louise Windsor and Princess Anne on their way from a private prayer service at nearby Crathy Kirk. The Duke of York thanked people for visiting Balmoral after his mother’s death and was heard to say: “We’ve been allowed one day, now we’re starting the process of handing her over.” Bank holiday approved on the day of the Queen’s funeral – latest updates Image: Zara Tindall sheds a tear as she inspects flowers with her family Image: Prince Andrew kneels to read tributes Image: Prince Andrew hugs his children The family stopped to view the flowers and read tributes, while Princess Eugenie was seen placing a bunch of flowers with the rest of the tributes. The Duke of York was at one point seen putting his arm around his daughter Princess Eugenie as she wiped a tear from her eye. Listening to a group of mourners who had come from Glasgow to show their support, Prince Edward said: “Thank you so much for coming all the way, we appreciate it.” Several of the Queen’s relatives are still staying at Balmoral after traveling there following news of the Queen’s deteriorating health on Thursday. Image: The Countess of Wessex views messages and floral tributes left by members of the public at Balmoral Image: Princess Eugenie receives a bouquet of flowers from a member of the public Prince William and Queen Consort Camilla traveled back to London with the new King to attend the Accession Council as Privy Councilors at St James’s Palace. The King began his momentous day by fulfilling the “sad duty” of announcing the death of his “beloved mother” and told the council: “I know how deeply you, the whole nation – and I think I may say the whole world – sympathize together for the irreparable loss we have all suffered”. Pictured: Princess Beatrix, Lady Louise Windsor, The Countess of Wessex, Peter Phillips (hidden), The Duke of York, Zara Tyndall, The Earl of Wessex, The Princess Royal and Rear Admiral Timothy Lawrence speak to well-wishers The historic moment was televised for the first time, giving the world a first glimpse of the ancient ceremony that dates back centuries – and the decision to broadcast it to the public is one of the first changes to convention instigated by the new King. The new monarch became King the moment his mother died, but a Council of Accession must be convened after the death of a Sovereign – usually within 24 hours. More than 200 privy councilors – a group of mostly senior politicians past and present, some members of the monarchy and other national figures – were present to hear the Secretary of the Council read the Declaration of Accession. On Friday, King Charles III stopped to greet crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace as he arrived in the capital for the first time as monarch. He shook hands with countless audience members. Image: Royals watch tributes for the Queen Image: Prince Andrew, his daughter Beatrice, Eugenie and other royals leave Balmoral Image: Prince Andrew waves as he leaves Balmoral for Crathie Kirk Tearful and overcome with emotion, people clapped and cheered the King during his 12-minute walk outside the palace gates, with many chanting “God bless you Charles” and “God save the King”. One woman, Jenny Silver, hugged and kissed the King on the cheek as he stopped in front of her, but the new monarch seemed to take it in stride.
