King Charles III (Photo by Yui Mok / POOL / AFP) (Photo by YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Newly appointed King Charles III addressed the nation for the very first time following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. During his speech, King Charles III called his mother’s historical reign, “a life well lived” while also stating that he will now formally step into his new role as king of the monarchy.
During his nearly 10-minute speech, King Charles III (formerly Prince Charles of Wales) spoke at length about Queen Elizabeth’s passing and what she meant to the Royal Family and the nation:
“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, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. 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.
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 seventy years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations.”
Elsewhere during his national address, King Charles III also acknowledged his new role as king and what changes will be made as he ascends to the throne:
“I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.
My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others. This is also a time of change for my family.”
King Charles III took time to highlight that his heir, oldest son Prince William, will now assume his previous title as Prince of Wales, along with William’s wife Cate, now being Princess of Wales. He also sent his love to youngest son Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle.
