King Charles III promises to serve "with loyalty, respect and love" in his first speech as monarch
On the first full day of his reign, King Charles III demonstrated his seriousness by dedicating the rest of his life to public service.
Despite having lost his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, the day before, the king took on his new duties; He personally greeted many dozens of members of the public, held an audience with the Prime Minister and made a televised address to the nation.
As the longest serving heir in British history, Charles was heard saying to Prime Minister Liz Truss on Friday that his mother's death was the moment he "dreaded".
His first speech as king on Friday (perhaps the most important of his life to date) began with a tribute to the queen. Dressed in a black suit and tie, Charles said Queen Elizabeth "sacrificed because of duty, and devotion. I pay tribute to my mother's memory and respect her service life," King said. "Death fills many of you with great sadness, and I share this feeling of loss beyond measure with all of you." Sitting behind a desk, with a prominent picture of his mother
to his left, Charles vowed to follow in his footsteps and serve his people.
He delivered a speech in the Blue Living Room of Buckingham Palace, the same room queen Elizabeth has used for years to record some of her many annual Christmas messages. In a nod to his famous love for dogs, a vase with the image of three corgis has been placed in the background.
"As the Queen herself did with such unwavering devotion, I now solemnly pledge to uphold the constitutional principles in the heart of our nation for the remaining time that God grants me," said the King. You may live in the UK or in kingdoms and territories around the world and whatever your background or beliefs I will strive to serve you with loyalty, respect and love as I have done all my life
same day recorded at Buckingham Palace after arriving at the famous London residence from Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Before filming the speech, Charles and his wife Camilla, now Queen Consort, took time to greet members of the public who had come to Buckingham Palace to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth. After shaking hands and accepting condolences (as well as a kiss), the king spent some time looking at some of the floral offerings and prints that were left at the palace gates.
When he first entered the palace as king, the British flag, which was flown at half-mast in mourning for the queen, was replaced by royal standards, which meant that the king was now in residence. Shortly thereafter, he conducted his first private audience with Truss. British kings have traditionally had weekly audiences with the prime minister. In a historic moment, Friday's hearing marked the first such meeting for the king and prime minister. The Queen's last public engagement was Truss' appointment on Tuesday.
He holds weekly meetings with 15 prime ministers whom he has appointed for more than 70 years on the throne.
In his interactions with the members of public, as well as in his speech, Charles showed some emotion and took the time to talk about his family, saying he would trust them if he took on the role that he's more than 70 years old prepared.
"I am counting on the loving support of my dear wife, Camilla," Charles said during the speech, adding, "In recognition of her faithful public service since we married 17 years ago, she will become my wife. The King also made an important announcement in
during his first speech in which he named his son William Prince of Wales, the title he held before the Queen's death on Thursday. While William was expected, eventually the new Prince of Wales He wasn't sure when Charles would decide to bestow the title on him, which isn't automatic. Charles himself was made Prince of Wales in 1958, six years after becoming heir apparent.
The official investiture ceremony did not take place until 11 years later.