King Charles III on Friday delivered his first address as monarch following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
In the speech, Charles called Elizabeth, who died at age 96 on Thursday, an “inspiration” and an “example” for him.
“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,” he added.
The king, 73, added that he would “uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation” and promised to serve the commonwealth “with loyalty, respect, and love as I have throughout my life.”
“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 endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love, as I have throughout my life,” Charles said.
“That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.”
He gave his son William the title of Prince of Wales during the address. Kate Middleton, William’s wife, will now hold the title of Princess of Wales.
“Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty,” he stated. “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 center ground where vital help can be given.”
The king, who delivered the address from Buckingham Palace, also gave his love to his son Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle “as they build their lives overseas.”
Charles also referred to his wife, Camilla, as “queen consort.” Charles married Camilla in 2005 years after the death of Princess Diana, his first wife.
Earlier on Friday, Charles arrived back in London after flying from the Balmoral estate and met with UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. As he arrived, he was met with chants of “God Save the King” as he shook hands with and chatted with mourners.
Historians say Charles will be officially proclaimed king in the near future. An event affirming his status is to take place at St James’s Palace in London in front of a ceremonial body called the Accession Council. His coronation ceremony likely won’t occur for months.
