King Charles III has used his first address to the UK population as monarch to renew the pledge of lifelong service that his mother made more than 70 years ago. It was announced at 6.30pm on Thursday, September 8, that Queen Elizabeth II had died peacefully at Balmoral.
King Charles was one of those who travelled to be with his mother in her final moments. In his first address as the new monarch, broadcast across the world at 6pm on Friday (September 9) and delivered from Buckingham Palace, King Charles III said: "I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration, an example, to me and to all my family.
"We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. Queen Elizabeth's 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."
READ MORE: Nottinghamshire chef shares memories and the 'privilege' of working for the Queen
Earlier on Friday, King Charles and the Queen Consort, Camilla, had travelled from Scotland to London where they met with cheering crowds who had turned out to wish the new monarch well. The address from King Charles was heard inside St Paul's Cathedral, where Prime Minister Liz Truss gathered alongside thousands of dignitaries and members of the public for a service of remembrance.
Delivering his speech with a picture of his mother next to him, King Charles confirmed that his son, Prince William, would now succeed him as both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cornwall. He also used the address to pay tribute to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan, by saying: "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas."
Quoting the statement that Queen Elizabeth II made on her 21st birthday in 1947, in which she pledged her service throughout her whole life, whether it be long or short, King Charles said: "I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.
"Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background and beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life."
King Charles also thanked his wife, Camilla, as she became Queen Consort. He said: "This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. 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."
King Charles also said in the speech that his new role would mean that he wouldn't be able to devote as much time to his charitable work. A date for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II is yet to be set, but Buckingham Palace has already confirmed that a period of royal mourning will be observed by members of the Royal Family, their staff and soldiers, from now until seven days after the funeral.
Ending his speech with a final tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III 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. May flights of angels singe thee to thy rest."
You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here.
READ NEXT:
- Full guidance on what to expect during period of national mourning
- Bank Of England details next steps for banknotes and coins now Charles is King
- Buckingham Palace confirms memorial details as King Charles III declares 7 days of Royal mourning
- Everything that could be closed or cancelled following the death of Queen Elizabeth
- Flags will not be flown at Nottingham Castle for Queen due to 'structural issues'
