As he observed the one-year anniversary of the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III thanked the populace on Friday for their support during his first year in the throne.
The 74-year-old British head of state recalled his “great affection” for his mother, her life, and her contributions to society in a brief statement.
“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,” he added.
Commemorations will be low key on Friday, with the king who is at his sprawling Scottish Highland estate of Balmoral not expected at any official engagement.
After a time of deteriorating health, his mother, who held the kingdom for a record-breaking 70 years, passed away at Balmoral at the age of 96.
Due to the fact that her accession day fell on the anniversary of the passing of her own father, King George VI, in 1952, she did not officially celebrate it throughout her reign.
She spent the day alone at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, when her Platinum Jubilee year started on February 6 of last year.
