In his first speech to the
nation, King Charles III made reference to his son Prince
Harry, and his wife Meghan Markle who are making their new life in
the United States.
The new monarch said that
he wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue
to build their lives overseas”. He also made reference to his heir, Prince
William and his wife Kate, 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.”
He signed off his emotional
speech with a tribute to his late mother and father, 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’.”
Charles also confirmed that
like his mother, he would serve for life, meaning that William will only
succeed him when he passes on.
Charles was by Her Majesty’s
side on Thursday when she passed away, alongside his sister Princess Anne.
Other members of the family, including Prince William, Prince Andrew, Prince
Edward, Sophie Wessex and Prince Harry arrived after the Queen had passed.
King Charles released a
statement paying tribute to his mother, which read: “The death of my
beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for
me and all members of my family. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished
Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.
“I know her loss will be
deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by
countless people around the world. During this period of mourning and change,
my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect
and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
At the time, Charles left the
statement unsigned as a mark of respect for his mother, who reigned for 70
years.
Charles will be formally proclaimed
monarch at an Accession Council on Saturday. While the King has automatically
received the title following the death of his mother, the Accession Council
takes place within 24 hours of the death of a sovereign, usually at St James’s
Palace in London.
