King Charles III ended his historic address to the nation tonight with a very poignant message to his mother with his 'flights of angels' line. Towards the end of his speech, the new King turned attention back to his late mother and made a reference to his father Prince Philip.
Tributes have been flooding in for Queen Elizabeth from around the world as a period of national mourning begins, following her death yesterday at Balmoral. King Charles returned to London today from Scotland as his reign began in earnest and delivered a tear-jerking video message to the public.
Many viewers were deeply moved by the new king's powerful words, but some were left wondering what the meaning was behind his final line.
"And 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," he stated. 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 sing thee to thy rest'."
So what exactly does that mean? King Charles was actually quoting from William Shakespeare's epic play Hamlet. In the final scene of the tragedy, almost every character lies dead on the stage and the titular character is dying in his friend Horatio's arms.
When Hamlet passes, Horatio is left alone with bodies all around and looks down to his friend to say an iconic line. "Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince," says Horatio, before adding: "And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
The famous line is frequently used by people to express their respect when someone dies . In the rest of his address, the King made William and Kate the Prince and Princess of Wales, much earlier than was expected.
His Majesty referred to the new roles and titles now given to members of the family, confirming Camilla would serve has his Queen Consort. On William and Kate, he said: "As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me.
"He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty."
The new King also sent his best wishes to his youngest son, Prince Harry, and his wife Meghan Markle, as they "build their lives overseas".
Charles, the nation's longest-serving heir apparent, having been in that role since he was three, is now fulfilling his royal destiny as monarch. He will be supported by wife Camilla, who will now be known as Queen Consort, which Elizabeth II declared was her "sincere wish" for Camilla to receive.
The public will notice many changes in the coming months and years, as stamps and coins with King Charles' face will be put into circulation. King Charles was at Balmoral for his mother's final hours along with his brothers, Princes Edward and Andrew, and their sister, Princess Anne.
In a statement, Charles said: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.
"I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held."
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