The British monarchy and their households are returning to official duties as the period of royal mourning in memory of the late queen ends.

Flags at royal residences were at half-mast until 8:00 a.m. (0700 GMT) on Tuesday, when they were raised back to the full mast while William and Kate, the new prince and princess of Wales, will visit the nation.

It will be the first visit since taking up their titles.

After the queen’s death on September 8, the royal family only carried out official duties where appropriate, and its members dressed in black as a mark of respect when in public.

From Tuesday, they are carrying out their normal official roles fully after observing the seven-day mourning period.

Mr William and Ms Kate will spend the day travelling the length of Wales, first visiting Holyhead in Anglesey, North Wales, and then travelling to Swansea in southwest Wales.

The royal couple had promised to visit at the earliest opportunity following the queen’s death and return, hoping to begin “deepening the trust and respect” they have with the people of Wales.

The pair’s last official visit to Wales was as duke and duchess of Cambridge to Cardiff Castle in June, where rehearsals for the Platinum Jubilee concert were taking place.

Mr Charles carried out one official engagement during royal mourning, holding a telephone audience with Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng on Thursday evening, the eve of his tax-cutting mini-budget.

The king travelled to Scotland soon after the queen’s funeral last Monday and could remain at his home of Birkhall into early October, following the tradition set by the late monarch.

The queen would normally spend around 10 weeks at her Scottish home during summer, returning to London around the time the autumn session of parliament began.

Planning is likely to be underway for Mr Charles’ coronation, and Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court in south London heard the suggestion a date has been set for the national event expected in 2023. 

(dpa/NAN)