In his historic first address to the nation as our monarch, King Charles today pledged to carry on the work of his “darling Mama” and serve his country “with loyalty, respect and love”.
At 6pm, the King, dressed in sober black suit and tie, spoke from the Blue Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace, where the Queen would sometimes film her Christmas broadcasts, with a photograph of her by his side.
He began by paying a heartfelt tribute as a grieving son to his mother, speaking of his “profound sorrow” at her death today after a 70-year reign, at the age of 96.
The King said: “My beloved Mother was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.”
With millions watching around the globe, he said: ”Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
DON'T MISS:Kate reacts to new Princess of Wales title with moving nod to Diana
King Charles and Harry showed 'polar opposite' responses to Queen's death, says expert
King Charles' speech at a glance - Queen tribute, new titles for Kate and Wills and 'love' to Harry
And he said as he embarked on his new role as King Charles III, he would have his “darling wife” Camilla, now Queen Consort, by his side, and be able to “count on her loving help”.
He said: “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.”
In a further historic announcement, he declared his son and heir William will become Prince of Wales, his wife Kate, the Princess of Wales. He said: “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”
And in an olive branch to his other son, Harry, the King said: “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
To the King’s right, on the desk, there was a small silver vase filled with delicate white sweet peas set among sprigs of rosemary, the herb a traditional symbol of remembrance.
The vase, decorated with small playful corgis at its base, was used by the Queen when she sat at the same desk, and was a touching nod to her love of the dogs, a constant source of happiness during her long reign.
The King, who at 73 becomes the oldest monarch to assume the throne in British history, further highlighted the late Queen’s “dedication and devotion”. He said: “She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.”
Reflecting on the family’s personal grief, Charles said they drew strength from remembering his mother’s “warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.” He said: “I pay tribute to my Mother’s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all.”
The King admitted his new role would take him in a new direction with “new responsibilities”. He said: “It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply.
“I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.” Charles had made the journey back to London from Balmoral in Aberdeenshire with Camilla to be greeted at the Buckingham Palace gates by wellwishers.
Stepping from a State Bentley with the Queen Consort by his side, he was greeted by an enormous cry of “God Save the King”.
The King looked incredibly moved as he glanced towards The Mall and heard the roar of the crowd and the sustained applause. Further details emerged of plans for the next few days leading up to the funeral, expected to be on Monday, September 19, with a period of mourning to continue for seven days after the funeral.
Prince William today returned to his family in Windsor, where Kate had remained to care for their three children, who started their first day at school together on Thursday. His brother Harry travelled from Balmoral alone back to his Windsor home to be reunited with wife Meghan.
The King had his first meeting with Prime Minister Liz Truss, who paid her condolences as across the country members of the public were paying their own tearful tributes. The first official rendition of God Save the King was sung at a Service of Prayer and Reflection at St Paul’s Cathedral, which followed the King’s address.
The King was tonight joined by his son and heir, Prince William, to prepare to visit the Accession Council to be formally declared King today.
He had ended his first speech as King by remembering the love between his mother and father, Prince Philip. He said: “To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.”
Quoting Shakespeare, tears welling in his eyes, the King ended by voicing his last wish for his mother: “May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.”
READ MORE: Queen's coffin placed in Balmoral ballroom where she danced with Philip as staff pay respects
