Charles III has given a new insight into his first full year as king – sharing footage from his “Carriage Cam” with Queen Camilla during the State Opening of Parliament in a video that caps off the royal family's 2023 year.
His Majesty is seen speaking to his wife and waving to the crowd in a rare glimpse inside their horse-drawn carriage after it left Buckingham Palace and traveled through the Mall on November 7 this year.
The footage is the centerpiece of the King's first tweet of 2024, in which he reflects on the last 12 months and his duties in the UK and Commonwealth.
It also includes a number of clips of the Prince and Princess of Wales – but nothing of Prince Harry, who attended his father's coronation in May without his wife Meghan Markle. Prince Andrew is also missing from the montage, which plays to an upbeat dance tune.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, England manager Gareth Southgate, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and other political leaders are in the assembly. Charles' trip to Kenya this year, considered a success by the palace, is also in focus, as are Camilla's public appearances, including with Brigitte Macron.
The King's official Twitter account shared the tweet today, saying: “Thank you for all the warm welcomes across the country and around the world in 2023. I wish everyone a happy 2024.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla in their carriage on the way to the State Opening of Parliament in November
The royal couple chatted and waved. Camilla wore the same outfit as at the coronation in May
The King and Queen smile at each other on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
The film begins with the “Carriage Cam” footage and then moves on to a number of other high-profile events.
There are numerous shots of the King and Queen at the coronation in May, both during the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and afterwards on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and other senior members of the royal family can be seen in the montage.
But there is no sign of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle or their family at all. Prince Andrew is also away, but he traveled to Sandringham for Christmas this year with his brother and ex-wife, the Duchess of York.
Charles and Camilla shortly before their coronation
Charles meets well-wishers who have come to London for his coronation
The Princess of Wales during one of her public appearances last year
William and Kate cycle at a charity event
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at an event after the coronation
Charles with leaders at a Commonwealth
Camilla meets school children in 2023
Charles and Camilla at one of their public appearances
The King and Queen beamed at well-wishers yesterday during their last church visit of 2023.
The couple spent the festive period with family in Sandringham. While other members of the royal family have since headed off to celebrate the New Year elsewhere, Charles and Camilla were present at a Sunday morning service at the Norfolk estate. Both wore warm winter coats and carried umbrellas as they walked to St. Mary Magdalene Church smiling, waving and chatting with the audience.
They were welcomed by the Bishop of Norwich, the Reverend Graham Usher, and the Reverend Canon Dr. Paul Rhys Williams welcomes. Camilla opted for a light blue coat, which she paired with a matching hat. She completed her elegant ensemble with black leather-look boots and gloves.
The king wore a long, dark brown coat and blue trousers, as well as brown dress shoes and a white shirt.
They will stay at Sandringham until the start of the New Year before traveling to Birkhall, their Scottish retreat, for the rest of the month, the Mail learns. You can then look forward to a busy 2024, with expected visits to Canada and Australia.
Their latest trip to St. Mary Magdalene comes after the royal family celebrated Christmas Day with a traditional service at the church. For the second year in a row, the disgraced Duke of York was allowed to take a family stroll, while his ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, made her first public appearance at the service in years.