Michelle Beaver Reflects on Meeting the King Twice, Sharing a Memorable Handshake and Moment of Connection

Michelle Beaver, a 50-year-old nurse from Liverpool, has shared her fond memories of meeting King Charles on two separate occasions, describing him as “extremely charming” and recalling the warmth of their interactions. Her encounters with the King, which took place in 2019, left her with a lasting impression and a deep sense of happiness.

Beaver, who works as a cardiology nurse and has dedicated over ten years to volunteering and fundraising for the Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool, first met Charles during a visit to the hospice in February 2019. It was the 60th anniversary of the hospice, and Charles came to personally thank the staff for their ongoing work.

“I was just standing there with the nurses when he came over to greet us,” Beaver recalled. “He shook our hands, and I couldn’t help but notice how large his hands were. He was so gracious, making sure to look everyone in the eye with a warm smile. It was such a lovely moment, and he made me feel really appreciated for the work we were doing.”

Beaver was also moved by the personal connection she felt, remembering how her grandmother, who had passed away in 2013, always made sure the family gathered to watch the Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day. “It felt like a family moment,” she said. “I couldn’t help but think of my grandma and how proud she would have been.”

A few months later, Beaver met Charles again at a Buckingham Palace garden party in May. Although initially sceptical that the invitation was truly meant for her, she attended with her husband, Peter, and was pleasantly surprised to be reunited with the then-Prince of Wales.

“I was standing in line when Charles came over,” Beaver said. “I said, ‘Do you remember me? We met at the hospice,’ and he laughed, saying, ‘Oh, I don’t remember what I did yesterday!’”

Despite the light-hearted moment, Beaver felt that Charles was deeply engaged with the people he met, making each interaction meaningful. She went on to praise the King for his efforts since ascending the throne. “He’s been doing an absolutely amazing job,” she said. “Grieving for your mother in such a public way must be incredibly difficult, but he is showing up and carrying out his duties with strength and grace.”

Royal Family Leads Procession to Westminster Hall, Where the Queen Will Lie in State for Four Days

The late Queen Elizabeth II was solemnly handed over to the nation as she began her lying in state at Westminster Hall. The procession, marked by pomp and reverence, saw the royal family follow behind her coffin as it was transported to the historic hall, with thousands of mourners lining the route to pay their respects.

The Queen’s coffin, draped with the Royal Standard and topped with the Imperial State Crown, was carried on a gun carriage, the same one that had borne the coffins of her parents. The procession, under clear skies and accompanied by funeral marches played by military bands, moved through central London, evoking an emotional response from onlookers, some of whom wept, while others captured the moment on their phones.

The King, Charles III, led the royal family as they walked behind the coffin. The Princess Royal, the Duke of York, and the Earl of Wessex followed him closely, with the Queen’s grandsons – Peter Phillips, the Duke of Sussex, and the Prince of Wales – following in line. The late monarch’s son-in-law, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Queen’s cousin, the Earl of Snowdon, were also part of the procession.

The coffin, placed on the George Gun Carriage, had previously been used for the funeral of King George VI and the Queen Mother. As it made its way past Horse Guards Parade, mourners applauded and Big Ben’s bells tolled every minute in tribute.

In a poignant moment, Harry, no longer a working royal, and his uncle, the disgraced Duke of York, were not permitted to wear military uniforms. As the royal family passed the Cenotaph, the royals in uniform saluted, while Harry bowed and Andrew performed “eyes right” in respect to the memorial.

The Queen’s coffin was escorted into Westminster Hall by soldiers from the Queen’s Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, who had been flown back from Iraq for this significant duty. The Guardsmen, who had a unique bond with the late monarch, carried the coffin onto a raised platform, where a brief service was held before the public was allowed to pay their respects.

The service was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who offered prayers for the Queen and all the departed. Members of the royal family stood in reverence, including King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, with the monarch’s siblings, sons, and their spouses by their side.

As the Queen’s children, including the King, continue to participate in the centuries-old vigil, the public was invited to file past the coffin. The first vigil was carried out by four officers from the Household Division, with more planned throughout the four days the Queen will lie in state.

Afterward, the King returned to his Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove, to reflect privately. The Queen’s lying in state marks a significant and emotional moment as the nation and the royal family pay their respects to the Queen’s remarkable life and service.

Choirmaster Says Queen’s Passing Has Transformed His Perception of “God Save The King”

Gareth Malone has shared how the death of Queen Elizabeth II has given new significance to the British national anthem, which he previously felt was “restrained.” Speaking on The One Show, the renowned choirmaster and composer explained that the ascension of King Charles III has made the anthem’s words more poignant, marking a change from “God Save The Queen” to “God Save The King” – a shift that may not be heard again for generations.

Malone, who has long found the American national anthem more emotive, reflected on how the anthem suddenly resonated with him after the Queen’s death. “I’ve always taken the song for granted,” he admitted, adding that it wasn’t until this week, watching footage of past coronations and hearing “God Save The King,” that the anthem struck a deeper chord. He continued, “It’s something I’ve never really understood, but now it just has an added meaning, especially after having met her and been at events where the anthem was sung.”

The 46-year-old also reminisced about his personal encounters with the Queen, including his performance of the official Diamond Jubilee single, Sing, alongside Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber in 2012. “To be in front of 250,000 people with Her Majesty there was so special,” Malone recalled. He added that they also privately performed the song for the Queen with the Military Wives, noting her reserved nature but sensing that she “really liked” the music.

Malone further praised the Queen for her humility and warmth, saying she did not carry a sense of superiority and was often “quite jovial.” He shared a fond memory of how she surprised him while he was touring Buckingham Palace, describing her as “shy, unassuming” yet possessing an “incredible presence.” Their conversation about music, including the fact that King Charles is a cellist, left a lasting impression on him.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Gareth Malone was made an OBE in 2012.

The King Names William and Kate as New Prince and Princess of Wales Following Queen’s Passing

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III has officially named his son, Prince William, as the new Prince of Wales. In a televised address on Friday evening, the King confirmed that the Duke of Cambridge would inherit the title previously held by Charles until his ascension to the throne.

Alongside him, Kate, William’s wife, will assume the title of Princess of Wales, a role last held by William’s late mother, Princess Diana. In his speech, the King expressed confidence that the new Prince and Princess of Wales would continue to inspire and lead important conversations, focusing on addressing the needs of those who are often overlooked. He added, “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

A royal source shared that William and Kate are committed to building trust with the people of Wales, noting that they will carry out their roles in the same humble and dedicated manner they have shown throughout their public lives. The source also highlighted that, while Kate appreciates the history tied to the title of Princess of Wales, she is eager to carve her own path in this new role.

King Charles III, in his address, also extended his “love for Harry and Meghan” as they continue their life overseas. Speaking from the heart, the King reflected on his late mother’s enduring legacy, describing her as a source of inspiration and guidance to him and the entire royal family. He expressed profound sorrow at her passing and vowed to serve the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth with “loyalty, respect, and love” for as long as he is able.

The historic announcement marks a significant moment for the royal family, as William and Kate take on new titles with deep historical resonance. The nation now looks to them as they prepare to build their future in Wales and beyond.

First Televised Accession Council Marks the Start of the New Reign

A historic moment will unfold at St James’s Palace on Saturday as King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. For the first time ever, the ceremony will be broadcast live, with the Accession Council convening at 10am to officially recognise Charles as the new king.

An hour later, at 11am, a Principal Proclamation will be read aloud by the Garter King of Arms on the balcony overlooking Friary Court. This will be followed by further proclamations across the country, including one in the City of London at the Royal Exchange at midday, and additional proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales on Sunday.

The proceedings come after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 on Thursday at Balmoral Castle. King Charles, who succeeded her immediately upon her death, paid a deeply personal tribute to his late mother in his first public address. He expressed profound sorrow, describing her as an inspiration to him and his family, and vowed to serve the nation with “loyalty, respect, and love” as she did throughout her reign.

Reflecting on the Queen’s lifelong commitment to service, Charles recalled her 1947 promise to devote her life to the people she served. He pledged to continue her legacy, dedicating himself to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth. He also announced that his eldest son, William, would now hold the title of Prince of Wales, with his wife Kate becoming the Princess of Wales.

The nation is currently in a period of mourning, which will culminate in a state funeral for Queen Elizabeth in the coming days. Thousands of people have gathered at royal landmarks to pay their respects, laying flowers in tribute. The emotional outpouring reflects the deep affection the nation has for its late monarch, described by many as “the nation’s grandmother.”

In his speech, Charles also acknowledged the changes his reign will bring, including the shift in his personal involvement with charitable causes. He ended his address with a heartfelt message to his mother, saying, “To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.”