King Charles III address to nation: monarch promises to ‘renew’ Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong service

King Charles III addressed the nation for the first time, following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
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King Charles III has said that he will “renew” his mother’s promise of lifelong service to the nation.

He was speaking in his first address to the UK as king, following Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday afternoon.

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King Charles III admitted that he will have to “change as I take up my new responsibilities”.

He confirmed that Prince William, the new heir, would become Prince of Wales, and expressed his love for Prince and Meghan.

The King said: “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.

“Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing.”

King Charles III delivers his address to the nation and the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. Credit: PAKing Charles III delivers his address to the nation and the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. Credit: PA
King Charles III delivers his address to the nation and the Commonwealth from Buckingham Palace, London, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. Credit: PA
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And he said: “That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”

The King said the “affection, admiration and respect” the Queen inspired “became the hallmark of her reign”, adding: “And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.”

Charles III said he was creating his son and heir, William, Prince of Wales saying: “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

And afterwards he added that he wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.

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The King 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’.”

King Charles did not confirm the date of the funeral, but said it would take place in just over a week.

It is expected to be confirmed for either Sunday 18 September or Monday 19 September.

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