It was one year ago today the Commonwealth lost Queen Elizabeth II

The anniversary is being celebrated in the U.K. with gun salutes and tolling bells.

Upon her death, Prince Charles ascended the British throne as King Charles III.  Today, he praised his mother as a symbol of stability during her 70-year reign.

Charles also released a previously unpublished photograph of the queen that shows her at the height of her power at age 42.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are observing the anniversary at the family estate in Scotland,