King Charles III paid tribute to his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in his first address to the nation on Sunday as Britain’s new monarch, vowing to serve with “loyalty, respect and love”.
In a televised address from Buckingham Palace’s Blue Drawing Room, Charles noted that his mother “made sacrifices for duty, devotion and devotion”.
“I honor my mother’s memory and I honor her life of service,” said Charles. “I know her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share this sense of loss, beyond measure, with all of you,” he added.
“As the Queen herself has done with unwavering devotion, I too pledge, during the remaining time God grant me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” said Charles. .
“And wherever you live in the UK, or in kingdoms and territories around the world, and whatever your origins or beliefs, I will endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life,” he added. .
Charles also opened up about his family, saying he will “have the loving help of my dear wife, Camilla,” as she becomes his queen consort. He also made a major announcement by making his son William Prince of Wales, his previous title before the Queen’s death. The title is not automatic and it is up to the king to decide when to grant it.
“With Catherine by his side, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and guide our national conversations, helping to bring the marginalized to the center where vital help can be given,” said Charles.
She also said she wanted to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives abroad.”
He concluded the speech with another tribute to his late mother:
“And to my dear mum, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear departed dad, I just want to say this: thank you.
“Thank you for your love and dedication to our family and the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.
“May the ‘flock of angels sing to you at your rest'”.