King Charles pays tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Mother's Day: His Majesty shares photo of him kissing her hand at 1985 polo match

King Charles has this morning paid a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on Mother's Day. 

His Majesty shared a black and white photo on social media of him kissing the hand of his 'darling Mama' during a 1985 polo match. 

Alongside the photo and a pink flower emoji, he wrote: 'Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday.' 

Queen Elizabeth II died 'peacefully' aged 96 on September 8, 2022, at Balmoral. All of her children rushed to be by her side after doctors became 'concerned' for her health.

Hours later she died surrounded by her family with Buckingham Palace announcing her passing. 

It comes on the same day that Kensington Palace released the first photo of Kate Middleton since her surgery. 

Princess Kate, 42, was seen beaming with her three children, Prince George, Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte, in a photo taken by her husband, Prince William.

'Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day,' the Princess of Wales said, signing off the message with a 'C' for Catherine. 

King Charles has shared a touching tribute to his 'darling Mama' on Mother's Day and wrote: 'Wishing all Mothers, and those who are missing their Mums today, a peaceful Mothering Sunday'

Charles and Queen Elizabeth II stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Platinum Pageant in June 2022

The then Princess Elizabeth is all smiles as she holds her firstborn son Charles in 1948

On Mother's Day Kensington Palace released the first picture of Kate since her surgery as the Princess of Wales thanked the public for their support in a Mother's Day message while she continues to recuperate

The then Princess Elizabeth pictured with her baby daughter Princess Anne and a young Prince Charles in 1951

Queen Elizabeth II looks down at Princess Anne outside Balmoral with her husband the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip and Prince Charles

Her death certificate revealed she died of 'old age.  

Her eldest son became King Charles III following her death and in a touching tribute he spoke of his 'greatest sadness'.

'The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

'We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother.

'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 touching tribute on Mother's Day comes after Charles has stepped back from public-facing duties following his shock cancer diagnosis. 

Last month Buckingham Palace announced that the 75-year-old monarch had been diagnosed with an unspecified type of cancer, which had been picked up after doctors treated an enlarged prostate.

Charles kisses the hand of his mother, Queen Elizabeth, after she presented him with a Royal Horticultural Society Victoria Medal of Honour in May 2009

Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward waving to the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace, during the Trooping of the Colour in 1964

Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip at Windsor Castle with their children, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and little Prince Edward in 1965

In his message, Charles said: 'In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty's death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us' 

He has taken a step back from public engagements, with other members of the Royal family including his strength and stay Queen Camilla stepping up to the plate.

Charles paid a moving tribute to his adored mother as the nation marked the first anniversary of her death in 2023.

In an unprecedented break with tradition, signifying how touched he has been by the country's grief at her passing but also pride in a remarkable life of public duty, His Majesty recalled his mother's 'long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us'.

In his message, Charles said: 'In marking the first anniversary of Her late Majesty's death and my Accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us.

'I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all.'

It was signed Charles R and accompanied by a portrait chosen by the King that has never been released before to the general public. The photograph was taken at Buckingham Palace on October 16, 1968, as part of an official sitting granted to the legendary Cecil Beaton – the last he was to ever undertake with Her late Majesty before he died. 

Queen Elizabeth II pictured at Windsor Castle with Prince Philip, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward in circa 1965

Queen Elizabeth ll, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward are not deterred by the rain when they attend the Olympic Games in July 1976 in Montreal, Canada

The British royal family relaxing together at Sandringham House in Norfolk, England during filming of the television documentary 'Royal Family' in May 1969. Prince Charles leans over his sister Princess Anne as Prince Philip studies a book and Queen Elizabeth II plays a game of make believe with five year old Prince Edward

Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Edward and Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace in 1972

Queen Elizabeth II with Prince Charles and Princess Anne in the grounds of Balmoral Castle on Charles' fourth birthday in 1952

Queen Elizabeth II posing with her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, and their son, Prince Edward in 1976

Charles holds his mother Queen Elizabeth II's hand as they leave after the Queen's speech during the State Opening of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in 2019

The King apparently selected the photograph because of the 'lovely' – and slightly mischievous – look in the eyes of his mother, who was 42 at the time.

His tribute was echoed by that of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said: 'On the solemn anniversary of the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our thoughts are with His Majesty King Charles III and the whole Royal Family.

'With the perspective of a year, the scale of Her late Majesty's service only seems greater. Her devotion to the nations of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth only seems deeper. And our gratitude for such an extraordinary life of duty and dedication only continues to grow.

'I treasure my memories of those occasions when I met Her late Majesty, in particular the private audience I had with her at Buckingham Palace before presenting my first Budget as Chancellor. I was struck by her wisdom, by her incredible warmth and grace, but also her sharp wit.'