'QUEEN ELIZABETH WOULD BE SO PROUD OF WILLIAM'

THE PRINCE OF WALES SHOWS HIS GRANDMOTHER'S STOIC SPIRIT AS HE LEADS TRIBUTES A YEAR AFTER HER DEATH

-  RHONA MERCER AND REBECCA RUSSELL

The Prince of Wales has faced some major moments on the public stage during his 41 years.

From walking behind his mother’s coffin to meeting world leaders, William has always appeared respectful, calm and capable – just like his stoic late grandmother.

Last week, with his wife the Princess of Wales by his side, he gave a glimpse of the king he will one day become as he marked the first anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II by attending a service at St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.

During their day-long visit to Wales, the couple warmly greeted well-wishers before entering the cathedral, where Kate placed a floral tribute of white roses in front of a photograph of the late monarch, as William bowed his head in a moment of quiet contemplation.

Earlier the couple captured the feelings of many in a message posted on their official social media platforms, accompanied by their favourite portraits of Elizabeth, “Today we remember the extraordinary life and legacy of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We all miss you. W & C.”

Outside the cathedral, Kate told local flying instructor Patricia Mawuli Porter, “We all have wonderful memories of her. We have to hold onto them, cherish them.”

Buckingham Palace released a previously unseen image of the monarch in her Garter robes taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968, when she was 42. King Charles and Queen Camilla “quietly and privately” grieved at Balmoral and there was a touching statement from the King, who looked close to tears as he left a prayer service on Friday morning.