If there’s one piece of news that you must have heard of this week, it’s Queen Elizabeth II’s recent passing on Thursday (8 September).
As Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, the former queen, aged 96, passed peacefully in her sleep at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Queen Elizabeth II became queen at the age of 25 and held the position for 70 years before her death.
And her firstborn son, King Charles III, who was next in line to the throne, will officially assume his role as King today (10 September).
King Charles III and his wife of 17 years, Camilla, appeared in London in the afternoon just yesterday (9 September) as part of their first appearance as King and Queen Consort.
The couple were faced with large crowds outside Buckingham Palace, with many people cheering “God Save the King”.
On the same day, the new King gave his first address to the world after his mother’s passing, and here’s all you need to know about it.
Paying Tribute to His Mother
In the broadcasted speech that was played to the public, King Charles III, 73, paid tribute to his “darling Mama” and her “promise of lifelong service”.
With regards to that, he also said, “That promise of lifelong service I renew to you today . . . . Whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love.”
Apart from that, the King also touched on how “Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived”, and touched on her “warmth, humour and ability to see the best in people”.
“Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss,” he added.
Change in Royal Titles
Apart from paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the new King also revealed the new titles that the royals will be assuming.
His oldest son William will now be known as the Prince of Wales, while his wife, Catherine, will be taking on the role of Princess of Wales, the first person to assume this title since Diana, William’s mother.
William and Catherine were previously known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
“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,” the King noted.
As for his younger son Harry, he talked that he has “love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
On the other hand, his wife Camilla, aged 75, will now be the Queen Consort.
To that, King Charles mentioned, “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.”
The national anthem of the UK is also now known as God Save the King for the very first time.
Change in Priorities
With his new title, King Charles III also talked about how he will now have different priorities to take care of as King.
“It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply,” he explained.
“But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.”
Remembering His Parents
Afterwards, King Charles III talked about his mother’s funeral and wished that the people will continue to “remember and draw strength from the light of her example”.
“And 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.
“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’,” he concluded.
You can tune in to King Charles III’s full speech here:
Impact of the Queen’s Death
After the Queen’s passing, many individuals in the UK have expressed their condolences and sorrow through leaving flowers and tributes outside the royal residences such as Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Additionally, the UK has announced ten days of national mourning, with various events such as sports matches and the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting being cancelled or postponed.
The UK Parliament also held a 10-hour session for the various Members of Parliament (MPs) to pay their last respects.
Prior to the address, King Charles III also released a statement saying that his mother’s passing “is a moment of the greatest sadness for [him] and all members of [his] family”.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held,” he added.
Many leaders from countries all over the world have also expressed their condolences over the Queen’s death.
Featured Image: YouTube (Channel 4 News)
