King Charles is facing a difficult dilemma following the news of a family death. It was confirmed that Lady Pamela Hicks, the King's first cousin once removed, died peacefully at her home in Brightwell Baldwin, Oxfordshire, at the age of 97 last Friday (June 5). Her funeral is set to take place at Brightwell Baldwin Church from 3pm on Saturday (June 13).
Conflict with Trooping the Colour
However, the King is also set to appear at Trooping the Colour in London on the same day. He is expected to take the Royal Salute at around 11am before watching the Fly Past by the Royal Air Force at around 1pm. According to Hello! magazine, it won't be impossible for the King to manage both events. Just last weekend, he attended the wedding of his nephew, Peter Phillips, in Gloucestershire before travelling to Epsom, Surrey, for the races later in the day.
Lady Pamela's Legacy
Lady Pamela, the first cousin of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and a third cousin to Queen Elizabeth II, passed away from natural causes at the end of last week. Her daughter, India, wrote on social media: "My mother died peacefully today. Whilst there is no tragedy in the death of a 97-year-old who has lived a full life, I know grief will be unavoidable, lurking around waiting for me, but today I am simply grateful that she was my Mother."
King Charles's Statement
King Charles also released a statement via a Buckingham Palace spokesperson. It read: "His Majesty was greatly saddened to learn of the death of Lady Pamela Hicks, a sorrow tempered by the fondest memories and deepest gratitude for her long life and loyal service to Queen Elizabeth. The King and Queen's thoughts are with Lady Pamela's family, as they mourn a woman whose warmth, wit and perspicacity always made such an impression, and who will be so dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her."
