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.