Dhe new British King Charles III. renewed his mother’s promise of lifelong service to his people. The 73-year-old monarch said this in his first speech to the nation as the new monarch on Friday. His mother once promised to devote “her whole life, short or long,” to the service of her subjects. “And like the Queen herself, with such unwavering devotion, I commit myself now for the rest of the time God grants me to uphold constitutional principles in the heart of our nation.”
The Queen died Thursday at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, aged 96. With her death, Charles became the new king. He also paid tribute to his mother in the television speech with unusually personal and emotional words.
Charles announced that he would now have to step back from some of his previous duties and named his son and heir apparent William as the new Prince of Wales. It was a privilege to bear this title, said the new king. He was confident that William, 40, and his wife Kate, 40, would continue to inspire British society and lead national debates as the Prince and Princess of Wales. Kate has never been a princess, just a duchess. The fact that she is now becoming a princess is unusual – in the end this title was reserved for women who were born into the royal family. The last one to be different was William’s mother, Diana. She too was a Princess of Wales.
Previously, Charles himself had borne the title Prince of Wales. His wife Camilla – now “Queen Consort” – bore the title Duchess of Wales. He is happy that Camilla is also at his side as queen.
Charles also addressed conciliatory words to his younger son Harry (37) and his wife Meghan (40). “I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build a life overseas,” the king said.
Harry and Meghan had broken away from the inner circle of the royal family more than two years ago and now live with their children Archie (3) and Lilibet (1) in the American state of California. Harry had fallen out with his father Charles and his older brother William.
Finally, Charles addressed his late mother directly in very personal words: “Dear Mom, As you begin your final great journey to my dear late Dad, I just want to say one thing: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to all the nations you have so diligently served over the years. May the angels watch over your rest.”
He knows that his mother’s death causes great sadness in his country and around the world and he shares it, he said. “Affection, admiration and respect” had become the “trademark” of her reign. Any member of his family can testify that the Queen has combined this with “warmth, humor and an unerring ability to see the best in people,” the monarch said.