King Charles III returned to Buckingham Palace for the first time since the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, and his accession to the throne. While there, he made his first address as king to the British people.
“I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow,” King Charles said in his address. “Queen Elizabeth pledged to devote her life to the service of her people, it was a profound personal commitment,” the 73-year-old said as he began his pre-taped televised statement.
“In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others. And to hold in the greatest respect, the precious traditions, freedoms, and responsibilities of unique history, and our system of parliamentary government. As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too, now, solemnly pledged myself, throughout the remaining time god grants made, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of a nation. “He went on to say, “And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever maybe your background or beliefs, I shall endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love, as I have throughout my life,” he said.
RELATED: Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96, Buckingham Palace Confirms
In a message to his mother, Charles said, “To my darling mama, as you begin your gray last 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,” King Charles III said.
Before concluding, he discussed the new line of succession: Camilla is Queen Consort, and Prince William and Kate Middleton are now the Prince and Princess of Wales. He also made sure to include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
More On Queen Elizabeth’s Passing
Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the nation’s figurehead, and a towering presence on the world stage for seven decades, died peacefully at her home in Scotland on Thursday. She was 96.
Britain will now continue to mourn for several days. The plans include a funeral worthy for the woman who has been praised for pledging herself at age 21 in service to her nation and never wavered as the living symbol of the British people.
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BREAKING: King Charles III concludes address from Buckingham Palace: “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.”
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
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— ABC News (@ABC) September 9, 2022
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