Picture by Stephen Lock / i-Images
It was a poignant scene inside St David’s Cathedral as the Prince and Princess of Wales laid white roses at a memorial in tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on the first anniversary of her passing.
William and Catherine visited west Wales for a series of engagements, the first being a private service to remember their late grandmother. The couple were joined by a small group of mourners and listened as the Very Rev Dr Sarah Rowland Jones paid tribute to Elizabeth II’s life of service.
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“It is particularly poignant to welcome you here, Your Royal Highnesses, on Accession Day, the first anniversary of the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Jones said.
“She came here four times: the only monarch to sit in the Sovereign’s stall, the seat of a Chapter member which came into the possession of the Crown at the Reformation.
“Today countless numbers will be remembering her with both sadness and with great affection, giving thanks again for her long life of dedicated service – as we do here.”
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The congregation also sang the hymn ‘Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts’, which was sung at Elizabeth II’s State Funeral. In tribute to her grandmother-in-law, Catherine wore a pair of her diamond and pearl earrings.
The royal couple shared on social media, “A moment of reflection at St Davids Cathedral honouring Her Late Majesty and all that she did for communities like this around the UK, the Commonwealth and the world.” They also shared a Welsh-language message, “Munud i fyfyrio yn Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi i anrhydeddu Ei Diweddar Mawrhydi a phopeth a wnaeth er budd cymunedau fel hyn yn y DU, yn y Gymanwlad a ledled y byd.”
Earlier in the day, William and Catherine shared a carousel of images of the late Elizabeth II with their family, captioning it: “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.”
The British Royal Family has been celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II in full force on the first anniversary of her death.
The King and Queen, accompanied by Earl Snowdon and Lady Sarah Chatto, attended a church service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral, while other members of the family were said to have visited her grave at St. George’s Chapel.
At one minute past midnight, King Charles released a message paying tribute to his late mother, saying how, “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.”
