Tribute privately for the royal family and gunfire in London: the UK is discreetly marking the first anniversary of her death today of Queen Elizabeth II after 70 years on the throne and the recovery of her son Charles III.

On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth passed away at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where she spent her summers. Thus a page was turned in the history of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries for which the British monarch is their head of state.

Today, a year later, no major public event has been planned to commemorate this end of an era.

The King and Queen Camilla, who are at Balmoral continuing a tradition introduced by Elizabeth, will pray at nearby Crathy Kirk, while Crown Prince William and his wife Kate will attend a private service at St Davis Cathedral in Wales. in the city that Queen Elizabeth visited in 1955.

In London, cannon fire is planned for Hyde Park and the Tower of London. The British government has announced that a monument to Queen Elizabeth II will be unveiled in 2026, one hundred years after her birth.

“Love and Support”

“We fondly remember her long life, her dedicated service and what she meant to so many of us», declares King Charles in his message for the anniversary published on the front pages of many British newspapers. “I am also grateful for the love and support for my wife and me personally during this year as we did our best to serve you all».

After spending a lifetime in waiting, the new monarch had a year full of “premieres”. He appointed a prime minister, Rishi Sunak, delivered his first Christmas message in which he expressed concern for people affected by the rising cost of living crisis, made his first foreign visit to Germany, and follows France at the end of September. He welcomed heads of state such as US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Harry passing by

Less popular than his mother, who was loved by the majority of Britons, the king faced anti-monarchy protests during his visits to the United Kingdom, most notably at his coronation on May 6.

However, according to a recent YouGov poll, 59% of Britons think the king is doing a “good job”, compared to 17% who think otherwise.

The first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death will not be an opportunity for reconciliation between Prince Harry and the royal family, however.

The Duke of Sussex is in the UK to participate in a charity event. He dedicated a few words to his grandmother during the event dedicated to sick children: “She is looking at us tonight, happy that we are together and continue to light up this incredible community.”

According to the British press, he has not scheduled a meeting with his father, nor with his brother.