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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Kyle O'Sullivan

King Charles 'visibly moved' hearing 'God Save the King' for first time in person

King Charles III formally heard 'God Save the King' being sung for the first time in person today - and looked 'visibly moved'. A wave of national transformation is now in full swing as once-in-a-generation procedures that have been decades in the planning are put into action after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

The new monarch was receiving the motion of condolence at Westminster Hall today - and sat on his throne for the first time as the monarch along with Queen Camilla. After the Speaker of the House of Lords pledged his loyalty and Charles addressed Parliament for the first time since becoming monarch, those gathered began singing the new version of the national anthem.

King Charles looked emotional as he listened to 'God Save the King' (ITV)

For the latest updates as the world mourns the Queen and King Charles III's reign begins, follow our live blog.

Many people watching at home were taken aback by the emotional moment and praised King Charles.

One person tweeted: "King Charles looked to be a bit upset hearing that this morning."

"It made me cry. Really brings it home to you hearing that," another added.

A third said: "He was so visible moved by both speakers words it's good he is not afraid to show his vulnerability ! Another good speech by King Charles!"

The King quoted Shakespeare in a tribute to the Queen as he addressed Parliament for the first time since becoming monarch.

"As Shakespeare said of the earlier Queen Elizabeth, she was a pattern to all princes living," he said.

Adressing members of both Houses of Parliament, the King said the late Queen "set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow".

King Charles has vowed to follow the Queen's example of "selfless duty" (AFP via Getty Images)

He said: "As I stand before you today I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital Parliamentary traditions to which members of both Houses dedicate yourselves with such personal commitment for the betterment of us all."

"The tangible connections to my darling late mother we see all around us, from the fountain in New Palace Yard which commemorates the late Queen’s silver jubilee, to the sundial in Old Palace Yard for the golden jubilee.

"The magnificent stained glass window before me for the diamond jubilee and so poignantly, and yet to be formally unveiled, your most generous gift to her late Majesty to mark the unprecedented Platinum Jubilee which we celebrated only three months ago with such joyful hearts."

King Charles was joined by his wife, Queen Consort Camilla, who sat on her own thrones beside her husband.

He added: "As I stand before you today I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital Parliamentary traditions to which members of both Houses dedicate yourselves with such personal commitment for the betterment of us all.

"Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy."

King Charles III and the Queen Consort at Westminster Hall, London (PA)

The new King has a busy few days ahead, as he is now preparing to embark on a tour of the country in the days before the funeral to meet his new subjects as millions around Britain unite in their sorrow.

After receiving the motion of condolence at Westminster Hall, Charles will start his UK tour with a visit to the Scottish parliament and a service at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.

Tuesday will see the King arrive in Northern Ireland, where he will receive another motion of condolence at Hillsborough Castle and attend a service at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast.

He will then travel to Wales on Friday to receive another motion of condolence at the Welsh parliament and attend a service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff.

King Charles was formally proclaimed monarch at the Accession Council on Saturday - and has used a new signature for the first time.

King Charles III during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch (PA)

During the first part of the meeting, His Majesty's role as King and regal name were confirmed in front of many important attendees, including Queen Consort Camilla, heir to the throne Prince William and several former Prime Ministers.

The event was televised for the first time ever, with Queen Elizabeth II's happening behind closed doors 70 years ago, which gave us incredible insight into the formal process.

The new King followed a tradition going back centuries by signing the declaration with 'Charles R', standing for 'rex' - which is Latin for 'king'.

More than 200 privy councillors, made up of mostly senior politicians past and present including former prime ministers, were present to hear the Clerk of the Council read the proclamation.

He made a personal declaration on the death of the Queen saying: "I know how deeply you and the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in this irreparable loss we have all suffered.

"Her reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."

* This weekend, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special filled with all the key moments from Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror to get poth pullouts.

You can leave your tributes to Queen Elizabeth II here

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