Almost two years have passed since Her Majesty the Queen died – her death signaling the end of a glorious 70-year reign.
While the royal family has done their best to carry on, her absence is still being keenly felt as her successor, Charles, rules the United Kingdom and the 14 other realms of the Commonwealth as King.
WATCH NOW: King Charles arrives at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral. Article continues after video.
Most recently, the monarch shared a poignant tribute to the late Queen as Mother’s Day was celebrated in the UK.
“Wish all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday,” the King penned, sharing a throwback photo of himself tenderly kissing the outstretched hand of his mother at a polo event in 1985.
Over the years we have seen insights into Queen Elizabeth and King Charles’ relationship, but a book released in February 2024 shed light on their special bond and the Queen’s private views on her beloved son.
Ingrid Seward’s most recent release My Mother and I, reveals that the Queen was often frustrated with Charles’ lack of “sympathy” for those suffering from “ailments”.
King Charles is said to have a very stubborn mindset and Queen Elizabeth believed this led to him being “inconsiderate” towards others.
“The Queen never understood Charles’ pampered lifestyle and found it rather mystifying, as by nature Charles is not a selfish man, but a life of being deferred to often stopped him considering others,” Seward wrote.
Readying her eldest son for his destiny was always a top priority for the Queen, however, her death later proved to be a very difficult time for Charles.
In November 2023, the King was visibly emotional as statues of the late Queen and Prince Phillip were unveiled outside Royal Albert Hall in London, as part of The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.
The life-sized bronze sculptures were commissioned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the hall.
“It is particularly fitting for our distinctive building to mark the contribution to our history of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who supported and attended the hall devotedly for so many decades,” Ian McCulloch, President of the Royal Albert Hall said as the statues were revealed for the first time.
At the time of his historic coronation, insider sources told New Idea that his [Charles’] “darling mummy” would be very much been front of his mind as he recited his vows to the Archbishop of Canterbury during the ceremony.
Indeed, even though he was only four years old at the time, Charles remembers his mother’s own 1953 investiture like it was yesterday.
“I have vivid memories of the coronation; of my mother coming to say goodnight to my sister and me while wearing the crown so that she could get used to its weight on her head before the coronation ceremony,” Charles has recalled.
In his maiden speech as monarch, the king made the heartfelt pledge to renew his “beloved mother’s” promise of lifelong service, and to replicate the “unswerving devotion” she had for her people.
He knows his own heir, William, Prince of Wales, shares this vision, and hopes it will be passed down, in time, to his grandson Prince George.
“We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example,” he said.
“I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love, as I have throughout my life.”
Charles’ unique apprenticeship as the longest-serving heir to the British throne afforded him decades to shadow and observe his mother in preparation for his own time as monarch.
Although the pair had a distant relationship during Charles’ childhood (with his rearing left to royal nannies), readying her eldest son for his destiny was always a top priority for the Queen.
It’s partly why Charles had such a huge public presence years before he took the throne.
“This is a man who formally began public duties back in 1969,” explained royal commentator Robert Hardman at the time.
“From then on, he was opening hospitals, touring the Commonwealth, and making speeches about the state of the planet.
“He had already absorbed – since before he could walk – that royal life comes both with great privilege but also a duty to others,” Robert added.
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