Following the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles III delivered his first address to the nation as the new monarch of the United Kingdom on Friday.
He paid tribute to his mother in his speech, stating: “Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen — my beloved Mother — was an inspiration and an 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.”
King Charles continued, “That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today. Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing.
He recalled his mother’s promise to “devote her life, whether it be short or long” to the service of the peoples, made in 1947 on her 21st birthday and broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth. He said the queen made sacrifices out of loyalty.
“I know that her death brings great sorrow to so many of you, and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all,” the king continued.
According to him, many things had changed 70 years after his mother became queen as the world and Britain were coming out of World War II. This included British society, which he claimed had “become one of many cultures and many faiths.”
While the state’s institutions had also changed, according to him, they still upheld their core principles.
King Charles emphasised his responsibility to the Church of England and his own steadfast faith by saying, “The role and the duties of monarchy also remain.”
He added, “I, too, now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation, just as the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion.”
I will make an effort to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love as I have my entire life, regardless of where you may reside in the United Kingdom or in the Realms and territories around the world, as well as whatever background or beliefs you may have “Added he.
He added that the charities and issues he handled as the heir to the throne would be continued by others because he would no longer be able to keep up with them.
King Charles then focused on domestic issues.
“My family is going through some changes at the moment. I rely on my sweet wife Camilla’s kind assistance, “said he.
He continued, “This is also a time of change for my family, and I count on the tender assistance of my darling wife, Camilla.”
I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the unwavering devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much. She becomes my queen consort in recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago.
Regarding his heir, William, Charles declared that his first-born son would now succeed him as Duke of Cornwall and take over the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall, which Charles had held for more than 50 years. William would also inherit the Scottish titles that the now-king had been born while in line for the throne.
“Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have had the great honour to bear for so much of my life and duty,” the king continued.
“I know that with Catherine by his side, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will continue to inspire and guide our national discourse, assisting in elevating the underrepresented to the foreground where critical assistance can be provided.”
“I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” Charles said in reference to his younger son Harry.
The King stated that his mother would be laid to rest in “a little over a week.” He expressed gratitude to the public for its condolences and support on behalf of his family, saying that it meant “more to me than I can ever possibly express.”
And to my darling mama, I just want to say thank you as you start your last big journey to be with my dear late papa, the King said.
“We appreciate all that you have done over the years to show love and devotion to our family and the family of nations.
May angelic “flights of singing” carry you to your rest.