In his first address to the British people and the Commonwealth, King Charles III praised his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, for her life’s service and solemnly pledged to serve faithfully “for the remainder of the time God has given me”.
“It is with deep sadness that I speak to you today,” began the 73-year-old monarch, who had to take on his mother’s public duties and had little time for personal grief and reflection.
“Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen – my beloved mother – was an inspiration and role model for me and my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt of any family to her mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and role model,” he continued.
“Queen Elizabeth lived well; a promise with fate, and she is mourned with the deepest heart in her passing. I renew to you all today my commitment to lifelong service,” the king vowed.
“In 1947, on her 21st birthday, in a broadcast to the Commonwealth from Cape Town, she pledged to serve her people, long or short. It’s not just a promise: it’s a deeply personal commitment , defined her life. She sacrificed for her duty,” he recalls.
“Her dedication and devotion as a monarch never gave up, through times of change and progress, times of joy and celebration, and times of grief and loss. Throughout her career of service, we have seen an enduring love for tradition , and the fearless embrace of progress that made us a great nation. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became hallmarks of her reign,” he said, praising the late mother’s “passion, humor and always watching Accurate ability to bring out the best in others”.
Here is the full text of the King’s speech to the nation:https://t.co/IJybava9ec pic.twitter.com/7LkZbaDmwI
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 9, 2022
King Charles also spoke of the “special relationship and responsibility of the monarch to the Church of England” – and said it was the church “that my own faith is so deeply rooted in”.
“In line with this belief and the values it inspires, I have grown up with a sense of responsibility to others, with the utmost respect for the precious traditions, liberties and responsibilities of our unique history and parliamentary system of government,” he explained.
“As the Queen herself has done with such unwavering dedication, I also now solemnly pledge that for the remainder of the time God has given me, I will uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. Whether you live in the UK, or anywhere in the world Territory and territory, regardless of your background or beliefs, I will strive to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have done all my life,” he pledged.
‘A Christian monarch’ – the Queen’s ‘personal responsibility before God’ guides her https://t.co/KnKOyID7fi
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) September 9, 2022
King Charles spoke enthusiastically about his Queen Camilla, his eldest son William, the new Prince of Wales and even about his “love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
“In over a week we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and as a global community to rest my beloved mother. In our grief, let us remember and learn from her example strength,” said the king.
“On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can express.
“To my dear mom, as you embark on the last great journey of reunion with my dear late dad, I just want to say: thank you. Thank you for your love to our family and the nation you have worked so hard to serve over the years Love and dedication,” he concluded.
“May the ‘flight of the angels sing you in peace’.”
Queen warns against abandoning ‘eternal ideals’, religion and morals in first TV Christmas broadcast https://t.co/l1OxVb8J19
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) September 9, 2022
