King Charles has officially given his first speech to the Commonwealth. In it, the royal reflected on his mother’s devoted life of service to her people, while marking his new era as sovereign.
Beginning his speech with a poignant tribute to The Queen, His Majesty said: “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.”
King Charles has addressed the Commonwealth for the first time. (Image: British Royal Family)
He emphasised his mother’s ability to adapt with the times throughout her impressive life of service.
“As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, 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 endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.”
The King’s new responsibilities mean less time to devote to the charities and issues, like conservation, that Charles grew to care deeply about.
“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. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage seventeen years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.”
He paid tribute to his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in the process. (Image: Getty)
The new monarch granted his ‘Prince of Wales’ title to his son and heir apparent, as well as the Princess of Wales title to his wife Catherine, of which has not been used since Princess Diana’s lifetime. The royals will also inherit the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall titles.
Despite the contentious relationship between the monarchy and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the King paid tribute to his son and daughter-in-law in the speech, saying: “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
To end his speech, His Majesty paid further tribute to his predecessor, paying mention to her funeral which is to be held in nine days’ time.
“May “flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest”.” (Image: Getty)
“In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express,” he said.
“And 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”.”
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