King Charles begins journey to London as Britain begins mourning period

King Charles III is driven through Ballater as he leaves Birkhall to head to London. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA

Britain’s new monarch King Charles III has begun his poignant journey from Balmoral to London, following the death of his mother the queen.

The grief-stricken king was glimpsed for the first time since his accession to the throne as he departed Birkhall, his private home on the Balmoral estate, by car at around 11.15am on Friday.