New king ascends while Britain mourns
King Charles III pledged “lifelong service” to his subjects in his first televised address to the nation as monarch on Friday, in which he paid tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II.
“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,” he said. “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.’ ”
In the prerecorded message to Britain and the Commonwealth, the king also acknowledged the moment of change felt by Britons and in his own royal family. He suggested that given his new responsibilities, his own public interventions – he has made his views known on issues from architecture to the environment – would become a thing of the past.
Yet he also said his heir, Prince William, would assume the role of trying to “inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given.”
He continued: “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
Earlier Friday, Charles had arrived at Buckingham Palace as the U.K. entered a period of national mourning, stopping his car before it went through the gates and walking among the gathered, shaking their hands and receiving their condolences. It was a notable and deliberate move, signaling the new head of state is determined to show he would follow his mother’s example by maintaining a close relationship between the royal family and the public.