Exactly one year ago today, King Charles ascended to the throne following the passing of his beloved mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in a dignified coronation ceremony held at Westminster Abbey. The event, witnessed by over 20 million in the UK and countless more globally, remains etched in history. However, on this significant anniversary, King Charles prefers to commemorate the day with modesty, mirroring his late mother’s approach.

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort visit Wittenbergplaztz Food Market on March 30, 2023 in Berlin, Germany

Since his coronation, King Charles has navigated both personal and royal challenges with grace, embodying his roles as a father, son, husband, and head of the Royal Family. Despite his ongoing battle with cancer, diagnosed in February, and the shocking revelation of the Princess of Wales’s own cancer diagnosis, the King has remained resolute in his duties.

Reports indicate that King Charles has undertaken more engagements in his first year than Queen Elizabeth II did during hers. The coronation, reminiscent of his mother’s seven decades earlier, saw King Charles don regal regalia, including the Sovereign’s Orb and the Sword of State, echoing the traditions of past monarchs.

The Queen and her guests stand during the playing of the national anthems before the gala performance in honour of King Gustav Adolf and Queen Louise of Sweden in 1956

In a historic move, King Charles participated in the Trooping the Colour ceremony on horseback, a tradition not witnessed since Queen Elizabeth’s reign. The King’s official birthday parade, marked by pomp and ceremony, reaffirmed his commitment to royal duties.

Further underscoring his reign’s significance, British stamps now feature King Charles’s profile, marking the end of an era dominated by Queen Elizabeth II’s silhouette. The King’s first State visit to Germany and his poignant address to the Bundestag underscored his dedication to fostering international relations.

The Princess Royal, King Charles III and Queen Camilla during the Braemar Gathering highland games held a short distance from the royals' summer retreat at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire in September 2023

Despite facing challenges stemming from Britain’s colonial past during his state visit to Kenya, King Charles exhibited humility and remorse, setting a precedent for acknowledging historical injustices. His actions parallel his mother’s commitment to diplomacy and compassion.

Queen Elizabeth II making her Christmas broadcast to the peoples of the Commonwealth from Government House, Auckland, New Zealand on December 25, 1953.

As the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing approached, King Charles and the Royal Family paid homage to her memory with a traditional church service at Balmoral, a place deeply cherished by the late monarch. Additionally, the King’s historic State Opening of Parliament speech honored his mother’s legacy of service and devotion.

Charles made his first Christmas address to the UK and the Commonwealth on December 25, continuing a tradition that began in 1932

King Charles’s Christmas address, a tradition dating back to 1932, encapsulated the essence of unity and faith, emphasizing his commitment to environmental stewardship. Echoing his mother’s global travels, the King embarked on a Commonwealth tour, reinforcing ties with member nations.

In a historic meeting with the governor of the Bank of England, King Charles received the first banknotes bearing his portrait, acknowledging the continuity of royal heritage. This gesture symbolized a seamless transition from Queen Elizabeth II’s era to King Charles’s reign, encapsulating a legacy of duty, service, and resilience.