The King has held his first in-person audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace. The 73-year-old succeeded his mother following her death yesterday (Thursday).
Leading the House of Commons in tribute, Liz Truss has insisted Britain must show it does not fear what lies ahead after “our lives changed forever” following the death of its “icon” Queen.
The Prime Minister said the King “bears an awesome responsibility that he now carries for all of us”, adding: “Even as he mourns, his sense of duty and service is clear.”
Ms Truss added the British people, the Commonwealth and all MPs must support Charles as he takes the country forward to a “new era of hope and progress, our new Caroleon age”. Her words were heard in a crowded but emotionally charged and silent chamber, the green benches populated by MPs dressed in black, as Parliament came together to mark the death of the nation’s longest-reigning monarch.
On the King, she said: “His Majesty King Charles III bears an awesome responsibility that he now carries for all of us. I was grateful to speak to His Majesty last night and offer my condolences.
“Even as he mourns, his sense of duty and service is clear. He has already made a profound contribution through his work on conservation, education and his tireless diplomacy.
“We owe him our loyalty and devotion.”
She continued: “All of us in this House will support him as he takes our country forward to a new era of hope and progress. Our new Carolean age.
“The crown endures. Our nation endures. And in that spirit, I say God save the King.”
Her speech was met with approval from MPs, with Conservative MP Tom Tugendhat, a Home Office minister, shouting “God save the King” from the side gallery as she finished.
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