3 years ago / 7:30 AM EDT

Crowds build outside Edinburgh cathedral

Andrew Lonie, 79, a retiree from Edinburgh, was among the swelling crowds outside the cathedral where Charles was officially proclaimed king of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“I wanted to come and see it in person — I’ve never heard one before,” said Lonie, who was 9 years old when the last new monarch took the throne. “It’s a piece of history, and I’m just so glad I’m able to see it.”

Andrew Lonie was 9 when Queen Elizabeth II took the throne.Alex Smith / NBC News
3 years ago / 7:02 AM EDT

Charles proclaimed King of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

A fanfare of trumpets was sounded in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, Wales' capital, Cardiff, and Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast, before Charles was officially proclaimed king in all the three countries.

Thousands of people gathered at Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff Castle and Belfast's Hillsborough Castle to hear the official announcement, although Charles officially became king when Elizabeth died Thursday.

Many joined in as the national anthem, “God Save the King,” was played and offered three cheers for their new monarch.

Afterward, 21-gun salutes resounded outside all three venues.

The Lord Lyon King of Arms reads a public proclamation to the people of Scotland to announce the Accession of King Charles III, outside St. Giles' Cathedral, in Edinburgh, on Sunday. Petr David Josek / AP
3 years ago / 6:55 AM EDT

Wreath atop queen's coffin adorned with flowers from Balmoral

An elaborate wreath accompanied the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, featuring flowers and leaves from her beloved Balmoral estate in Scotland.

It features dahlias, sweet peas, phlox, white heather and pine fir, the royal family said in a tweet.

Peter Summers / Getty Images
3 years ago / 6:40 AM EDT

Flowers pile high at the gates of Balmoral Castle

Floral tributes laid by the public in memory of Queen Elizabeth II outside the gates of Balmoral Castle on Sunday.Samir Hussein / WireImage
3 years ago / 6:17 AM EDT

Australian prime minister will not hold referendum on country becoming a republic during his first term

With a pro-republic Labor Party government in power, Australia’s constitutional ties to the British monarchy will again be open to debate for the first time since change was rejected in a 1999 referendum.

However, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told British broadcaster Sky News he will not hold a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic in his first term. (Sky News is owned by Comcast, the parent company of NBC News.)

In his first international interview since the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Albanese said it was a moment to show gratitude for the Queen’s “service to Australia, the Commonwealth and the world.”

Queen Elizabeth II in 1954 became the only reigning British monarch to travel to Australia and went on to visit the country 16 times.

3 years ago / 5:55 AM EDT

Scottish leader marks 'sad and poignant moment' as queen leaves Balmoral Castle

As Queen Elizabeth II's coffin embarked on its final journey from Balmoral Castle, Scotland's first minister posted a touching tribute to the late monarch.

“A sad and poignant moment as Her Majesty, The Queen leaves her beloved Balmoral for the final time. Today, as she makes her journey to Edinburgh, Scotland will pay tribute to an extraordinary woman,” Nicola Sturgeon said in a tweet.

On Friday, Sturgeon was pictured signing a book of condolence the monarch.

3 years ago / 5:41 AM EDT

'You'll always be remembered'

EDINBURGH, Scotland — The outer walls and gates of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, have been covered in row upon row of flowers, notes and even children’s drawings mourning and thanking the late queen.

“You’ll always be remembered in my house as an example on how to behave under all circumstances,” one handwritten message said.

Another was written on a Portuguese flag. “Canada loves you forever,” one said.

Fiona and Alex Herries laid flowers with their two young daughters. “We just thought it was important for the next generation to be part of this so they understand the significance of this moment in history,” Fiona said.

Fiona and Alex Herries outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.Alex Smith / NBC News
3 years ago / 5:31 AM EDT

Knitted tribute to the queen placed on postbox in Scottish village

A knitted Queen Elizabeth II with a thank you note is pictured atop a postbox in the Scottish village of Ballater on Sunday. Paul Ellis / AFP - Getty Images
3 years ago / 5:20 AM EDT

Children wave union flags as they wait for queen's funeral procession

Children sit behind barriers in the Scottish village of Ballater on Sunday as they wait for Queen Elizabeth II's coffin. Paul Ellis / AFP - Getty Images
3 years ago / 5:14 AM EDT

Queen's coffin leaves Scotland's Balmoral Castle

Draped in the Royal Standard, Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin has left Balmoral Castle to begin its journey to Edinburgh, Scotland's capital.

It is the first time her coffin has been seen since her death on Thursday.

The hearse will wind its way through tiny villages and small towns from the remote castle in the Scottish Highlands before it is laid to rest in the throne room of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, until Monday afternoon.

The hearse was driven away from Balmoral Castle in Ballater.Andy Buchanan / AFP - Getty Images
The coffin was draped in the Royal Standard. Alastair Grant / AP