King Charles III paid tribute to his mother Queen Elizabeth II in his first address to the UK since her death yesterday.
In a speech broadcast across the world, the new king praised his mother’s qualities as a ruler while he reflected on her 70 year reign.
He said: “Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family.
“We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother, for her love, affection, guidance and example.”
He added: “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 Prince William and his wife Catherine will take on the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales – the traditional titles of the heir to the British throne.
“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,” the new king added.
His speech was also shown at a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral attended by senior officials and 2,000 members of the public.
Charles flew to London from Aberdeen earlier today to go to Buckingham Palace for his first time since becoming king.
The new king greeted crowds as they waited outside the Palace, and Prime Minister Liz Truss met with him there shortly afterwards.
While the nation is currently under ten days of mourning, no date for the Queen’s funeral has been confirmed yet.
Her death was confirmed by Buckingham Palace yesterday late afternoon after concerns about her health were announced at lunchtime.
Featured image: BBC
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