King Charles III left Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Friday, en route to London for his first public speech since the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
In the first photos of the new monarch, 73, leaving his late mother’s beloved summer home, he looked gloomy in the back seat of a car.
Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles rode in the front seat.
They were later seen arriving at Aberdeen International Airport and boarding separate flights.
The couple rushed to the Queen’s bedside on Thursday morning amid escalating health problems, as did Charles’ brothers Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. His sister, Princess Anne, was already at the castle when their mother fell ill.
Charles’ son Prince William also traveled to Scotland at the time, arriving solo when Kate Middleton was staying in Windsor, England, with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
As for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex arrived without Meghan Markle – but only after Buckingham Palace broke the news that the Queen’s 70-year reign had come to an end.
“The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the statement read. “The King and Queen Consort remain in Balmoral tonight and return to London tomorrow.”
Charles, who immediately ascended to the throne, called his mother’s death the “greatest sadness” for his family in a private statement.
“We deeply mourn the passing of a beloved Sovereign and a dearly beloved mother,” he wrote. “I know her loss will be deeply felt across the country, the rich and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of grief and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held,” the King continued.
The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, died in April 2021 at the age of 99, four years after retiring.
Charles began to take on a larger public role in preparation for his ascension, and his mother announced that Camilla, 75, would take the title of Queen Consort.
“When my son Charles becomes king in time, I know that you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support you have given me,” she wrote in a February letter.