Ahead of his coronation this Saturday, the King has carried out a series of engagements focusing on Commonwealth ties.
Today, the Royal Family, 74, accepted the role of Chief Constable of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at Windsor Castle today, receiving a ceremonial sword to mark the occasion.
King assumed the role of Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP in 2012 while visiting the Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan.
He followed in the footsteps of his later mother who was appointed the first ever RCMP Commissioner-in-Chief in 2012.
King Charles, 74, was presented with a sword when he accepted the role of Chief Constable of the RCMP
Charles was welcomed with a Royal Salute from four mounted members of the RCMP who have traveled to the UK to take part in the coronation procession.
Those who would take part were all on horses from four mounted members of the RCMP who have traveled to the UK to take part in the coronation procession.
The participants were on Royal Mews horses previously donated to Queen Elizabeth II by the RCMP.
To mark the momentous occasion, the Royal Family received a special RCMP Officer’s Sword commemorating RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme.
To mark the momentous occasion, the Royal Family received a special RCMP Officer’s Sword commemorating RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme
King Charles petting one of the horses previously gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by the RCMP
The Royal Family assumed the role of Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP in 2012 while visiting the Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Charles was welcomed with a Royal Salute from four mounted members of the RCMP who have traveled to the UK to take part in the coronation procession
The participants were on Royal Mews horses previously donated to Queen Elizabeth II by the RCMP
Earlier today, Charles watched an Australian charity step down the London leg of a torchlight procession in honor of its centenary.
Charles chatted with torchbearers, participants and families at the 100 Year Legacy event in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
Founded in 1923 by a small group of World War I veterans, Legacy supports thousands of veterans, spouses and children of members of the Australian Defense Force (ADF) affected by the death or serious injury of a loved one.
Charles was given a torch as a gift and watched as torchbearers passed the flame at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
Torchbearer and mother of four Angela Brient, 40, met the king and when he found out how many children she had, he replied: ‘Good heavens. How are you holding up?’
Widowed Mrs. Brient said Legacy has supported her and her children since her husband died six years ago.
“He went to the Middle East where he suffered a serious neck injury. He came home, and although he had surgery, his mental health deteriorated due to his injuries, and he eventually took his own life,” she said.
Ms Brient, who is from Perth in Australia but lives in Glasgow, said it was ‘an honour’ to be asked to represent Legacy and said she couldn’t believe she had been invited to the palace.
“It was such a surprise to all of us. And we’re so excited,” she said.
Speaking of the prospect of meeting the King, Mrs. Brient said, “It’s an honor I never expected in my life, so I’m thrilled.”
Eric Easterbrook, chairman of Legacy Australia, said it was “exceptionally exciting and wonderful” to be at the palace, and “unbelievable” to be there so close to the date of the coronation.
There are 44 Legacy clubs across Australia and one club in London.
The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay is a six-month satellite relay event commemorating the charity’s 100th anniversary and honoring veterans’ families.
The torch will travel more than 50,000 kilometers across 100 locations, carried by approximately 1,500 torchbearers with a connection to Legacy or the defense community.
The relay began on April 23 at a ceremony in Pozieres, France.
While in France, the torch was displayed at Anzac Day events before heading to Ypres, Belgium for the daily Menin Gate Last Post ceremony.
A relay race will take place through the streets of London before the torch arrives in Albany, Western Australia, stopping at all 44 Legacy clubs across the country, finishing in Melbourne in October.
King Charles, 74, greeted volunteers and families of those killed in war outside the palace. He beamed as he held the torch
Photos show the guests lighting two torches – one silver and one gold that the king held and also one with a white pattern. Corporal Daniel Keighran VC presented Charles with a replica relay torch
The relay started on April 23 in Pozieres, France and the Torch will travel to all 44 Legacy Clubs in Australia
The royal stood with his hands in his pockets as he watched them be set on fire, with a smirk on his face
The King also sent the charity a letter congratulating them on their anniversary.
The letter said: ‘I am delighted to congratulate Legacy Australia on its centenary this year.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and pay tribute to the staff, partners, supporters and in particular the ‘Legatees’ who work so hard to support Australian veterans and their families.
“I know that many legatees are veterans themselves, but all are committed to upholding Legacy’s proud traditions and spirit of service and concern for future generations.
He greeted the torchbearers, who were dressed in their white uniforms. He shook hands with them as he talked to them
Support for the charity also runs in the Royal Family as the Queen and Prince Philip continued to lend their support to the organization and also visited Sydney Legacy on their 1954 tour of Australia
Many seemed delighted to meet the king, smiling and laughing during their conversations
“I also want to pay tribute to Legacy beneficiaries. Their sacrifice, whether through personal service or the loss of the life or health of a loved one, will never be forgotten.
“My wife joins me in sending our warmest wishes for a memorable and enjoyable program of commemorative events and every possible success for those participating in the Centenary Torch Relay on this very special anniversary.”
Support for the charity also runs in the Royal Family, as the Queen and Prince Philip continued to lend their support to the organization and also visited Sydney Legacy on their 1954 tour of Australia.
