King Charles III has delivered his first public address to the nation following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96.
In his heartfelt address, Charles said: "I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen - 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."
She made sacrifices to duty, the King continued: "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."
King Charles continued reflecting on his mother's tireless service: "In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition together with that fearless embrace of progress which makes us great as nations," he says. "The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became a hallmark of her reign."
"My life will of course change as I take up my 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. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.
"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."
Piers Morgan took to social media to congratulate the new King on his first address. He wrote: "That was a great speech by a good man. The Queen is dead…. Long live The King!"
Rylan Clark took to Instagram following the broadcast and shared a photo of King Charles. Alongside the photo, he said: "God Save The King"
Duncan James from boyband Blue tweeted: "Well now King Charles just set me off again in tears after his speech," alongside a string of crying emojis.
Viewers took to Twitter to share their thoughts as King Charles addressed the nation in a heartfelt tribute to his mother. One wrote: "Feel very emotional! I want to go give King Charles III a hug and tell him we are all there for him"
Another viewer penned: "Charles, after that speech, I’m proud you’re our King. Set the tone correctly for your reign and a brilliant tribute to your dear Mama. #KingCharles #LondonBridge #QueenElizabeth " A third noticed a touching detail: "With a photo of his mother by his side, King Charles III gives his first speech as monarch."
Someone else wrote: "Have the upmost respect for King Charles delivering his speech despite his mother's death yesterday." Another penned: "A poignant and historic speech by King Charles. Lovely to hear him talki about the faith of the late Queen and his own faith."
"The more King Charles III spoke the sadder he got. It is so sad he had to do this speech so soon, and not left to grieve," one viewer wrote. Another wrote: "A well crafted & delivered speech by King Charles. Confirmation of the new Prince & Princess of Wales. Snd mention of his love for Harry & Meghan. #goodjob."
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