Charles III renews his mother’s lifetime commitment to the monarchy in a message of “pain” and “gratitude”.

Latest news on the death of Elizabeth II

She assumes the sacrifices that being king will entail and appoints her first-born son as Prince of Wales

King Charles III has stressed that his mother, Elizabeth II, had “a life well lived” and, with “sorrow” for the loss and “gratitude” for his mother’s dedication during seven decades of reign, has renewed the lifelong commitment she made upon ascending the throne.

With the “inspiration” and “example” of the late queen, Charles III takes the reins of a palace that, as he has recalled, represents a point of reference not only for the United Kingdom but also for the Commonwealth as a whole.

The new monarch, who thanked the expressions of sympathy and support, remembered his mother as an “inspiration” and an “example” both for the family and for the whole of the citizenship, in a historic first speech to the nation in which he spoke next to a framed photograph of Elizabeth II.

Charles III has emphasized that the world has changed in 70 years, from the post-war years to the present day, but he has advocated keeping the values constant and pointed out that “the duties of the monarchy also continue”, now with him at the helm.

Elizabeth II lived “times of joy” and also “times of sadness” within a “life of service” that has earned her, according to her son, the “admiration” and “respect” of millions of people. “I share this feeling of enormous loss with all of you,” he said.

He has also alluded to the famous speech made by his mother from Cape Town in 1947, when she promised to dedicate her life, “short or long,” to the service of the people. “It was more than a promise, it was a deep personal commitment that defined her whole life,” he added.

The new king made the message his own, assuming that he has a lifetime position — “for as long as God keeps me alive” — and that his life will change radically. He had words of affection for his “dear” wife, Queen Consort Camilla, and thanked her for her loyalty: “I know she will be up to the new demands”.

He has also alluded to his eldest son, Prince William, first in line to the throne, and formally confirmed the transfer of the Duchy of Cornwall. The heir will also be Prince of Wales, as decreed by his father in this speech.

In his message, Charles III has included mentions of William’s wife, Catherine, and stressed his “love” for his youngest son, Henry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, in a symbolic gesture of support after a convulsive last year within the royal family.

“DEAR MOM.”

Charles III’s first address to the nation has concluded with words of closeness his “dear Mom”. “As you begin your last great journey to join my dear Dad, I want to tell you simply this: thank you.”

“Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently over the years. May the angels in their flight carry you to rest,” he concluded.

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