King Charles leaves Scotland in photos after Queen’s death

King Charles III left Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Friday, heading to London for his first public address since Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

In the first photos of the new monarch, 73, leaving his late mother’s beloved summer home, he looked somber in the back seat of a car.

Queen Consort Camilla Parker Bowles rode in the front seat.

They were later spotted arriving at Aberdeen International Airport and boarding separate flights.

The couple rushed to the Queen’s bedside on Thursday morning amid escalating health concerns, as did Charles’ brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. His sister, Princess Anne, was already at the castle when their mother fell ill.

Charles’ son Prince William also traveled to Scotland at the time, arriving solo as Kate Middleton stayed in Windsor, England, with their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

As for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex arrived without Meghan Markle — but only after Buckingham Palace broke the news that the Queen’s 70-year reign had come to an end.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the statement read. “The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Charles, who immediately ascended to the throne, called his mom’s death the “greatest sadness” to his family in a statement of his own.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother,” he wrote. “I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held,” the king continued.

The Queen’s husband, Prince Philip, died in April 2021 at age 99, four years after he retired from royal duties.

Charles began taking on a greater public role in preparation for his ascension, and his mother announced that Camilla, 75, would take on the Queen Consort title.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” she wrote in a February letter.