King Charles III has said he feels “profound sorrow” over the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and has pledged to carry on her “lifelong service” to the nation in his first address as a king on Friday.
“That promise of lifelong service I renew to all today,” he said. He delivered the address with a framed photo on the queen on a desk, reports Aljazeera.
“As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I, too, now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” he said.
Charles said he could “count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla” after she became queen consort.
The king also elevated his heir William to become the new prince of Wales, the highest title for the heir to the throne.
“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.”
His speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St Paul’s Cathedral, where some 2,000 people were attending a service of remembrance for the queen. Mourners at the service included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government.
Charles expressed his love for his second son Prince Harry and daughter in law Meghan, a significant gesture towards a couple whose relationships with the rest of the family have been strained.
“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” he said.
Addressing his “darling Mama”, joining his father the late Prince Philip, who died last year, “I want simply to say this: thank you,” the new king said.
“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,” the king said.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
