Three former prime minister’s have heaped praise on King Charles III as he takes to the throne following his mother’s death on Thursday.
Speaking to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, David Cameron, Theresa May and Gordon Brown all insisted the new King would be a “worthy successor” to Queen Elizabeth II.
“He’ll be brilliant at the job. He’ll be brilliant at giving advice and sage counsel,” Mr Cameron said.
“The monarchy is in great hands.”
In one touching anecdote, Mr Cameron admitted his wife, Samantha always hoped to sit next to the then Prince at events due to his humour, intelligence and fun.
Looking ahead to his duties, both Mr Brown and Mrs May said King Charles will look to evolve the monarchy and its role in society.
With the King claiming he will now pass on his interests and charities, Mr Brown said the sovereign will remain “focused on an outward-looking” monarchy.
“They have been steadily evolving over time, and changing their approach to doing things over time,” Mrs May said.
“The public will expect continuity but also that the world is changing and is continuing to do so. What they will hope and get is that deep interest in people.”
Speaking as he was proclaimed King on Saturday, Charles said he would look to continue to follow the example his mother had left as Queen.
"I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me," Charles said as he took on the duties of monarch.
Charles was accompanied at the ceremony by wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, and eldest son Prince William, who is now heir to the throne and known by the title that Charles long held, the Prince of Wales. In his first statement since his grandmother's death, William said the queen "was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life" — a clear reference to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
"I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real," William said.
