King Charles vows to serve with loyalty and love, pays moving tribute to ‘darling mama
LONDON,SEPT 10: In his maiden address as the eldest monarch, King Charles fondly remembered Queen Elizabeth II, who breathed her last on Thursday, following 70 years of reign. The demise of the longest-serving monarch was confirmed by the British Royal Family, wherein they said that the 96-year-old passed away peacefully at the Royal estate in Scotland.
As per the century-old protocol, 73-year-old Charles became the eldest person to accede to the British throne. In his address to the United Kingdom, after the death of the Queen, he referred to Prince William and Kate Middleton as the Prince and Princess of Wales, the post he held formerly.
In the aftermath of the demise of the Queen, a shift in the line of succession came into being. Now, Charles’s eldest son and daughter-in-law are the Prince and Princess of Wales. Prince William is now the heir to the British throne and his son Prince George is third in line.
A report stated that the day after the queen’s demise, the Accession Council comprising of senior officials will meet at St James’ Palace wherein Charles will be proclaimed as the new sovereign. The proclamation will be read out at the Palace and the Royal Exchange in London. As per the document, this shall confirm Charles as the king.
Thousands gathered outside Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the Queen as King Charles stepped out to interact with well-wishers as he returned to London from Balmoral Castle. Amid rounds of cheers, ‘God Save the King’, he got out of his car to meet some of the thousands of people gathered to mourn and greet the new monarch.
Charles, in a jet black suit, shook hands, accepted flowers and waved as people held up their phones to take selfies, while others offered some words of condolence, and calls of “We love you King Charles” were heard.
What is Operation Unicorn, activated after Queen Elizabeth II’s death?
Sharing that the sense of loss was ‘beyond measure’, King Charles said, “I pay tribute to my mother’s memory, and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings sadness to so many, and I share that sense of loss beyond measure with you all.”
“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,” said Charles.
He used the address to pledge to serve Britain, its realms and the Commonwealth with loyalty and dedication. He also said that given the demands of his role as the monarch, he would not be able to contribute as much to charity.
King Charles III said that he felt ‘profound sorrow’ at the death of his mother. He vowed to continue the Queen’s ‘lifelong service’. The King said that in “the remaining time God grants” he would “uphold the institution”. The King also said the late Queen was able to “see the best in people”.
“In 1947 on her 21st birthday, she(Queen Elizabeth II)pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to Commonwealth to devote her life to service of her people. It was more than a promise, it was a profound personal commitment that defined her whole life,” King Charles said.
“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. May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest,” said King Charles.
-The India Today
