Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully on Thursday at her Balmoral estate in Scotland at the age of 96. The palace had announced this. Her son Charles (73) inherited her throne and delivered his first speech as King Charles III on Friday night. In the recorded lecture, which was broadcast on TV, he paid particular tribute to his mother.
“Her Majesty the Queen – my beloved mother – has been an inspiration and role model to me and all my family throughout her life and we owe her the heartfelt debt that any family can owe their mother,” the king said to: “Today I renew my promise of lifelong service to you all.”
Affection, admiration and respect have become hallmarks of the Queen’s reign. “And as any member of my family can attest, she always combined those qualities with warmth, humor and an unerring ability to see the best in people,” added Charles. In addition to the personal sorrow felt by the royal family, she also shares with so many a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years that my mother served as queen to the people of so many nations,” the king said. “As the Queen herself has done with such unwavering devotion, I vow to uphold the constitutional principles in the heart of our nation during the remaining time that God grants me.”
Furthermore, the 73-year-old went into his life that “of course it will change” when he takes on his new tasks. “I will no longer be able to devote so much time and energy to the charities and causes that are so close to my heart,” said the new monarch. “But I know this important work will continue in the trusted hands of others.”
“We also live in a time of change in my family,” Charles announced. On the one hand, he counts on the “loving help of my beloved wife Camilla”. In recognition of her faithful public service since marriage 17 years ago, his wife becomes Queen Consort. “I know she will rise to the role with an unwavering devotion to duty.” His son Prince William (40) will become his heir Duke of Cornwall and he is proud to appoint him Prince of Wales today. The king also mentioned his second son Prince Harry (37) and his wife Duchess Meghan (41) in his speech: “I want to express my love for Harry and Meghan while they continue to build their lives abroad.”
In just over a week, the nation, the Commonwealth and the global community will come together “to bury my beloved mother. Let us remember our grief and draw strength from the light of her example,” said Charles, thanking the people People: “On behalf of my entire family, I can only sincerely and heartily thank you for your condolences and support. You mean more to me than I can ever express.”
At the end, the King addressed his last words to the Queen, visibly touched: “And to my beloved mum, as you embark on your final great journey to meet my dear late father, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your love and dedication to our family and To the family of nations you have so diligently served all these years. May hosts of angels sing you to your final rest.” Dressed in a black suit with a black tie and a white shirt, the king sat for his speech at a desk on which stood a picture frame with a photograph of his mother.
