King Charles opens up about his ‘personal grief’ as he vows to renew Queen’s promise of ‘lifelong service to you’
KING Charles tonight opened up about his “personal grief” as he vowed to renew his mother’s promise of a “lifelong service”.
The Monarch, 73, paid tribute to his “darling mama” after her tragic death yesterday.
King Charles III praised his mother in the speech and the “affection, admiration and respect” she inspired that “became the hallmark of her reign”.
Sat next to a touching framed photo of the Queen, he said: “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.”
It comes as…
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The King spoke of her “unswerving dedication” as he took a “solemn pledge” to uphold the same “constitutional principles” for “the remaining time god grants me”.
And he poignantly touched on the Queen’s “qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.”
The King ended the speech by 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’.”
Read more on the Queen's death
The King also mentioned both of his children in the address, saying he wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
Speaking about Prince William, he added: “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.”
Finally, the King praised his “darling wife” Camilla for her “loving help” as she becomes his Queen Consort.
He pre-recorded the televised speech in the Blue Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace.
There were subtle nods to his late mother – including a vase decorated with corgis to rosemary for remembrance.
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It was played on TV as a memorial service to honour the Queen started at St Paul’s Cathedral tonight.
Around 2,000 members of the public are attending the service, along with the new Prime Minister Liz Truss.
Charles stepped foot on English soil today for the first time as King after flying back from Balmoral.
There were cheers of “God save the King” as he arrived at Buckingham Palace this afternoon.
He shook hands with well-wishers as he begun his first day as the nation’s monarch after a 70-year wait for the throne.
One over-eager supporter even gave the King a kiss on the cheek in a breach of protocol.
He then poignantly visited the sea of flowers left for his mum and paused for a moment of silent reflection.
The King then entered Buckingham Palace with Queen Consort Camilla.
The nation has now entered a period of mourning that will be observed from today until seven days after the Queen’s funeral.
A series of 96-round gun salutes commemorating each year of the Queen’s incredible life sounded across the UK at 1pm..
Parliament has been hearing from MPs and peers today in a special session of condolence.
King Charles also held his first audience with Ms Truss this afternoon.
Charles automatically became King after Her Majesty’s passing but the new role will be made official on Saturday.
This will take place at St James’s Palace in London with a public proclamation of the new sovereign read from the Friary Court balcony.
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The pomp and ceremony comes after King Charles led the royals in paying tribute to his beloved mum after she died yesterday..
He said: “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.”