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For the first time since his mother died and since his ascension to the throne, King Charles III spoke to the world Friday.
Sitting at a desk, speaking in a slow, even tone to the camera, and with a framed picture of the late Queen beside him, King Charles spent much of the nine minutes talking about Elizabeth II.
“Throughout her life, her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration — an example — to me, and to all my family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” Charles said.
He said hers was a life well-lived, a promise of destiny kept, and said she is mourned most deeply.
“Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom — in all the countries where the Queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth and across the world — a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations,” said Charles.
The new king spoke about the broadcast his mother made from Cape Town in 1947 on her 21st birthday, pledging to devote her life to the service of her peoples.
“That was more than a promise; it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life,” he said. “She made sacrifices for duty, her dedicated and devotion as sovereign never wavered through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.
“In her life of service, we save that abiding love of tradition together with that fearless embrace of progress which makes us great as nations.”
The King and The Queen Consort have arrived at Buckingham Palace.
Upon arrival, Their Majesties received a warm reception from members of the public who were paying their respects. pic.twitter.com/1kw62rljUI
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 9, 2022
Charles said the hallmark of the Queen’s reign was the affection, admiration and respect she inspired, and did all that with warmth, humour and an ability to see the best in people.
Charles said he knows her death brings great sadness to many.
“And I share that sense of loss beyond measure with you all,” he said.
In the 70 years of Elizabeth II’s reign, Charles said society and the institutions of the state have changed.
“But through all changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of realms of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so inexpressibly proud, have prospered and flourished, our values have remained and must remain constant,” said Charles.
He said the roles and duties of the monarchy must remain as well, and so does the sovereign’s relationship with the Church of England.
“I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government,” said Charles.
But the new monarch also pledged himself to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of the nation and that, wherever people were watching live or what they believe, “I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love as I have throughout my life.”
Charles acknowledged his life is going to change. He also confirmed that his wife, Camilla, will become 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,” he said.
Prince William also now takes on Charles’ Scottish titles as the Duke of Cornwall and is now the Prince of Wales.
“With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given,” said Charles.
The King didn’t leave out his other son, expressing his love for Harry and Meghan as they build their lives overseas.
Charles ended with a last message to his mother, as she begins her journey to join her husband and Charles’ father, Prince Philip. Charles thanked her for her love and devotion to their family but also the family of nations.
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” he said.
The Queen’s funeral will happen 10 days after her death. Charles’ official coronation likely won’t happen for months.
The full speech can be heard below.
