Monday, September 19, 2022
Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
Friday, September 16, 2022
King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Wales
Completing their tour of the UK, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Wales today.
Llandaff Cathedral
They attended a prayer service for the life of the late Queen Elizabeth II, at the Llandaff Cathedral, constructed in the 12th century. This is on my list of places to visit!
They also visited Senedd—the Welsh Parliament, to receive condolences from the members. During their tour, they were serenaded with the gentle, angelic musical sounds by The King’s Royal Harpist, Alis Huws. (The harp is an important National musical instrument in Wales and the classical, music-loving King promotes raising the profile of the instrument).
Alis Huws, Royal Harpist
The King and his Queen Consort also attended a reception at Cardiff Castle to visit with members of Royal patronages and faith communities.
Watching the BBC continuously and sipping a LOT of tea, I’m experiencing a range of emotions this week…in awe of the pageantry for the events leading up to the State funeral, tearful at all the tributes and remembrances to the late Queen, and reserved excitement over the new King and Queen consort.
Tuesday, September 13, 2022
The Prince and Princess of Wales
The couple will also take the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall titles—previously held by the King and Camilla, the new Queen Consort. William also inherited the title of Duke of Cornwall, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles, and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland. Catherine will also receive the title of Duchess of Rothesay.
William and Catherine recently left their London home at Kensington Palace to live at Adelaide Cottage at Windsor.
Monday, September 12, 2022
The Queen Leaves Balmoral for the Last Time
Queen’s Coffin Arrives at Holyroodhouse
The coffin was met by the Duke of York,The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal, and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. The coffin rested in the Throne Room until this afternoon when it was conveyed to St. Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh.
King Charles, Anne, Andrew, and Edward stood guard over the Queen’s coffin in a moving 15-minute vigil. The Queen will lie in state until tomorrow evening, when her coffin will be flown back to London.
I have been sipping the Queen’s favorite tea, Earl Grey, and browsing through the latest issue of Victoria Magazine—the British issue. As it turns out, this issue features a romantic tour of Scotland, with stunning photos and interesting stories of Balmoral and Holyroodhouse. It’s a must read!
Sunday, September 11, 2022
Camilla
Her Majesty, Queen Camilla (Consort)
At the beginning of 2022, in a statement marking the 70th anniversary of her accession to the throne, Queen Elizabeth II announced: “When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife, Camilla, the same support that you have given me. It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
So, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, we now have Camilla, Queen Consort. What does this title mean? A Queen Consort is the female partner, spouse, or companion to the King. Camilla will take the title of Queen Consort, which indicates that she is the spouse of a King, instead of the title of Queen, because members that marry into the royal family can’t inherit the throne. The title doesn’t come with any powers and is ceremonial, with the consort of a monarch expected to “provide companionship and moral practical support.”
As Queen Consort, Camilla will be crowned and anointed during King Charles’ coronation. However, Camilla’s ceremony will be much simpler.
In practice, Camilla will probably not be called Queen Consort, but simply Queen Camilla.
I, of course, will be following Queen Camilla…her fashion and lifestyle.
Saturday, September 10, 2022
King Charles III
At the moment Queen Elizabeth II died, Charles became the King. He could have been known as any of his four names—Charles Philip Arthur George. He chose to be known as King Charles III.
He was officially proclaimed King today at St. James’s Palace in London. Charles will be formally crowned at the coronation (state occasion), which will happen at a later date.
King Charles is now head of the Commonwealth, an association of 56 independent countries and 2.4 billion people! In 14 of these countries, as well as the U.K., Charles will be head of the state.
Yesterday, from the blue room at Buckingham Palace, King Charles gave his first speech as monarch. He vowed to serve ‘with loyalty, respect, and love’. He also pledged to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of the nation throughout the remaining time God grants him.
He was the longest-serving heir apparent in British history. King Charles has big shoes to fill and hopefully he will reign with the same dignity, grace, and compassion as his beloved Mother.