King Charles has paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in his first address as sovereign.
The British monarch sadly passed away at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday, September 8, at the age of 96.
The Queen’s eldest son Charles immediately ascended to the throne after she died, making him King Charles III.
In his first address as the King of England on Friday at 6pm, he 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.”
“We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother, for her love, affection, guidance and example.”
“Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, though times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.”
Charles spoke about his mother’s incredible 70 year reign during his 9-minute long speech.
The new King then ended his address by saying: “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.”
“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’.”
You can watch his speech in full below:
“My mother’s promise of a life long service, I renew it all to you today”
King Charles pays tribute to “beloved mama”, speaks of “loving help” from “darling wife Camilla”, confirms William and Kate’s new titles: Prince and Princess of Wales, expresses love for Harry and Meghan. pic.twitter.com/DYeng926PH
— Omid Scobie (@scobie) September 9, 2022
Following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, King Charles announced a period of Royal Mourning will be observed from now until seven days after her state funeral.
The date of the funeral is yet to be confirmed, but it’s expected to take place 10 days after her passing.
Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the Royal family, Royal household staff and representatives of the Royal household on official duties, together with troops committed to Ceremonial Duties.
On Friday, The King and his Queen Consort Camilla travelled from Balmoral to London, where the new monarch was greeted by thousands of well-wishers outside Buckingham Palace.
King Charles receives a kiss from a member of the crowd at Buckingham Palace. The King greeted countless members of the public lined up behind a barrier, thanking them for their good wishes https://t.co/JT1DgpKdev pic.twitter.com/wzkpUSzx6o
— ITV News (@itvnews) September 9, 2022
It’s understood King Charles had his first audience with Prime Minister Liz Truss today, and also met the Earl Marshal to officially sign off on the Queen’s funeral plans.
Read more about the Queen’s funeral plans here.
