Following the demise of the late Queen Elizabeth II on September 8, 2022, her successor King Charles III addressed the entire nation as the sovereign for the very first time. Talking about the service of remembrance, it began at the St. Paul’s Cathedral situated in London for the late Queen. Moreover, the audience present there took a moment to observe minutes of silence, after which the present King addressed the nation.
This afternoon, The King held an Audience at Buckingham Palace with the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Liz Truss MP. pic.twitter.com/G3h0ALT6It
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 9, 2022
The King’s speech
According to BBC, here is what the King said, “I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, HM 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.” The King also went on to speak of the sacrifices his mother made throughout her 70-year reign, “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.”
He further added, “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.”
The King went on to note, “hat was more than a promise. It was a profound personal commitment, which defined her whole life.” He further added that “the affection, admiration and respect she inspired” had become the hallmark of her monarchy.”
“Queen Elizabeth 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.”
His Majesty The King addresses the Nation and the Commonwealth. pic.twitter.com/xQXVW5PPQ2
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 9, 2022
The last respects
King Charles III also went on to pay his last respects to the late Queen after having taken up his duties as the new monarch. He stated, “As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.” He added, “I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.”
Camilla’s new role
King Charles III further confirmed his wife Camilla’s new title and said, “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.”
Royal family
Talking about Prince William and Kate Middleton, they will be taking on their new duties as the Prince and the Princess of Wales. The King also mentioned Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and said, “I express my love for Prince Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
The King ended his speech by saying, “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. 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.”