Lady Louise Windsor and Sophie, Countess of Wessex read heartfelt tributes to Queen Elizabeth II following private church service at Balmoral

Key members of the Royal Family gathered at Balmoral for a church service dedicated to Queen Elizabeth II

lady louise paying respects to queen elizabeth ii
(Image credit: Getty)

Key members of the Royal Family gathered at Balmoral for a private church service to remember the life of Queen Elizabeth II today.


Lady Louise Windsor joined Sophie, Countess of Wessex and other key members of the royal family to read tributes and admire flowers left by the public outside Balmoral Castle. The family were in Scotland to attend a private service following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, aged 96 on September, 8.

Following the private service, the family made time to admire the hundreds of floral tributes left by the gates of the private driveway to Balmoral Castle. It’s the first time the family has been seen publicly since the Queen’s passing. Lady Louise, previously labeled a favorite of all the Queen’s grandchildren, was accompanied by her mother Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and father Prince Edward, who thanked well-wishers for standing outside the castle, “thank you very much for coming, we appreciate it.”

Royal Family members outside Balmoral following Queen Elizabeth's death

(Image credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The family spent around 10-minutes admiring flowers and greeting crowds, before heading back inside the Aberdeenshire estate.

King Charles III who was officially proclaimed king earlier today wasn’t in attendance due to his duties back in the capital, and he’s now believed to be back at Buckingham Palace with the Queen Consort where well-wishers are still gathered outside.

Lady Louise and sophie wessex look at flowers for queen elizabeth

(Image credit: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Members of the British public flocked to many of the Queen’s estates since the news of her passing on Thursday to pay tribute to the longest reigning monarch in British history. The impact of her death has been felt far and wide as the nation comes to terms with losing the long-standing and much-loved monarch. Details of her funeral are yet to be announced but it’s believed the service will be confirmed within the next few days. It’s likely it will take place on Monday, September, 19.

Lydia Swinscoe
Travel writer & editor

Lydia is a travel writer and solo travel expert, based mostly in London. Her work has been published in print and online for the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, BBC Travel, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, Marie Claire, Oh magazine, Town&Country, and woman&home.