King Charles III looked gloomy when he arrived in London just a day after Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
The former Duke of Cornwall left Scotland Friday morning after visiting his mother in Balmoral and landed in England after flying a private jet with Queen Consort Camila.
Photos show Charles and Camila disembarking from their jet and making their way to a luxurious Rolls-Royce bearing Charles’ royal emblem.
After their departure from the airport, the royal couple made their way to Buckingham Palace, where thousands of mourners gathered to offer their condolences. At one point, Charles shook hands with citizens who wanted to share their grief with the incoming king.
The longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, died Thursday at her beloved home in Balmoral.
“The Queen passed away peacefully in Balmoral this afternoon,” the royal family tweeted. “The King and Queen Consort remain in Balmoral tonight and return to London tomorrow.”
The Queen – who ruled the Commonwealth for more than 70 years after her father, George VI, died in 1952 – leaves behind four children, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
After her death, King Charles III inherited the monarchical title, but he will not be officially appointed king until Saturday morning local time.
“I actually think he’s coming into his own,” Tina Brown, author of “The Palace Papers,” told Vidak For Congress exclusively. “I think he will make a good king.”
King Charles III said in a statement that his mother’s death was a “moment of great sorrow”.