Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS/AFP via Getty

Britain’s Princess Beatrice of York (L), Britain’s Lady Louise Windsor (2L), Britain’s Sophie, Countess of Wessex (3L), Peter Phillips (4L), Britain’s Princess Eugenie of York (obscured), Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York (C), Zara Phillips (2R) and Britain’s Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex greet members of the public gathered outside of Balmoral Castle in Ballater, on September 10, 2022, two days after Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. - King Charles III pledged to follow his mother’s example of “lifelong service” in his inaugural address to Britain and the Commonwealth on Friday, after ascending to the throne following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. (Photo by Owen Humphreys / AFP) (Photo by OWEN HUMPHREYS/AFP via Getty Images)

Members ofQueen Elizabeth’s family stepped out for the first time since her death to see the many tributes in her honor.

Many of the Queen’s grandchildren — includingZara Tindall,Peter Phillips,Princess Beatrice,Princess EugenieandLady Louise Windsor— were somber as they walked with their family from Crathie Kirk church, where the group had attended a private prayer service. The two generations were united before the assembled crowd, and stopped to spend time reading the cards tucked within the deluge of bouquets.

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Zara, Beatrice and Eugenie appeared teary as they read tributes. At one point, Sophie crouched down to get a closer look at the notes.

Mirrorpix / MEGA

Members of the Royal family walk back from Crathie Kirk and examine floral tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth, in Balmoral, Scotland, Britain, September 10, 2022. 10 Sep 2022 Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II dies at Balmoral. Day 3 . Members of the Royal family walk back from Crathie Kirk and examine floral tributes at the gates of Balmoral following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in Balmoral, Scotland, Britain, September 10, 2022. Photo credit: Mirrorpix / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342

Thanking the public for their condolences, the Duke of York, 62, said, “We’ve been allowed one day, now we start the process of handing her on,” perSky News.

Not present wereKing Charles III,Queen CamillaandPrince William, who joined theAccession Councilin London on Saturday for the official proclamation of the new King. The ceremony was held in the State Apartments of St. James’s Palace in London at 10 a.m. local time — and in ahistoric first, the rite was televised.

Jeff J Mitchell/Getty

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Edward, Earl of Wessex, Princess Anne, Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence look at floral tributes outside at Crathie Kirk church on September 10, 2022 in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

As William and Camilla watched on, a council clerk read, “The crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to thePrince CharlesPhilip Arthur George.”

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York hold hands as they look at floral tributes outside Crathie Kirk church on September 10, 2022 in Aberdeen, United Kingdom. Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair, London on 21 April 1926. She married Prince Philip in 1947 and acceded to the throne of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth on 6 February 1952 after the death of her Father, King George VI. Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022, and is succeeded by her eldest son, King Charles III. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Though King Charles immediately rose in rank after his motherQueen Elizabeth’s death, the accession is not to be confused with the formal coronation.

Charles' crowning ceremony isnot immediately expected, and courtiers have not yet announced a date. The coronation for his mother was held 16 months after her accession on Feb. 6, 1952, following the sudden death of her father, King George VI.

WPA-Pool / MEGA

Members of the Royal family walk back from Crathie Kirk and examine floral tributes following the death of Queen Elizabeth, in Balmoral, Scotland, Britain, September 10, 2022. 10 Sep 2022 Pictured: The Countess of Wessex. Photo credit: WPA-Pool / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342

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In communications updated on Buckingham Palace’swebsiteFriday, King Charles asked the public to observe a period of royal mourning, effective immediately and lasting until one week after his mother’s funeral.

Flags will be flown at half-staff over royal residences though the period, and floral tributes, like those seen at Balmoral, are left to rest at specified gates.

source: people.com