Though King Charles III was the picture of British stoicism at the funeral of the Queen on Monday, photos from moments before the ceremony reveal his true grief.
Photographers captured the King in a private moment in the back of a royal car as he travelled to Westminster Abbey for the funeral.
The photo appeared to show Charles fighting back tears as he prepared to farewell his mother in a historic state funeral.
King Charles III was caught in a private moment of grief in this photo. (Image: Getty)
“Charles’ face shows exhaustion and emotion as he appears in the car,” body language expert Dr Louise Mahler tells Now To Love exclusively.
“The chin is drawn back and there is tension in his mouth that appears as though he is crying. His eyes also looked slightly closed, congruent with tears.”
Though the world looks to him now as the King of England, in the heartbreaking car photo he appears as simply a son mourning his mother.
Other images captured during the funeral procession and ceremony at Westminster Abbey showed the King in silent tears as he led the royal family on Monday.
King Charles wipes away tears at the Queen’s funeral. (Image: Getty)
King Charles with Princess Anne. (Image: Getty)
King Charles looking downcast at the funeral. (Image: Getty)
He led his siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and prince Edward, at the head of the royal procession behind the Queen’s coffin as it traveled to the Abbey.
There he was supported by his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, and two heirs, Prince William and Prince George, as well as the extended royal family.
That included son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, who split from the royal family in 2020 when they announced they would step down from their roles as senior royals.
Though there has been talk of a “royal rift” ever since, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared nothing but respectful and supportive as they joined in mourning the Queen.
WATCH: King Charles arrives at Queen Elizabeth’s funeral
Meanwhile the new King made sure to include them in his first formal address as monarch, saying: “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
Charles also took time to honour his late mother in the speech, paying homage to her incredible 70-year reign as Queen.
“Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” he said.
“Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
