King Charles III has paid tribute to his mother Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in his first address to the nation following her death on Thursday 8 September.

Pledging his duty to a life of service as the head of the British monarch in a televised speech, Charles, 73, said: "Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother.”

The King paid tribute to his family members, including sons William and Harry and their wives, Kate and Meghan.

The King credited his son and heir, William, Prince of Wales adding: “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.”

He wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.

The King ended his address by saying: “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’.”

The new monarch and his sister Princess Anne were by their mother's bedside in Balmoral yesterday, while other members of the Royal Family rushed to make their way to them before the Queen passed away.

Shortly after the news of Her Majesty's death, Charles shared a sombre statement expressing his grief as he wrote: "The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

"We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother.

"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 in a statement posted on Twitter under the handle Clarence House.

Charles automatically became King on the death of his mother, but an Accession Council is usually convened at St James’s Palace in London within 24 hours of the death of a sovereign.

It will be later on this occasion because the announcement of the death of the Queen did not come until early evening on Thursday, meaning there was not enough time to set the plans in motion for Friday morning.

Charles will be formally proclaimed as the King of England at a historic Accession Council on 10 September.

He will also have his first audience as monarch with Prime Minister Liz Truss, who was formally appointed by the Queen two just days before her death.

The date of the Queen's funeral is yet to be announced, but it is expected to take place 10 days after her death – giving time for the public to pay their respects as she lies in wait.

While the public will have 10 days to mourn the former monarch, Charles declared that the Royal Family will observe a further seven days, bringing the total up 17.

The Royal Mourning will be observed by members of the family, royal household staff and representatives of the royal household on official duties, alongside troops committed to ceremonial duties.

Union flags were lowered to half mast upon the news of the Queen's death and thousands gathered around Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to express their sorrow.

Gun salutes and Church bells have rung out throughout the day, celebrating Her Majesty's life and 70-year reign.

READ NEXT:

• Queen 'never fully recovered' after death of 'strength and stay' Philip, expert says
• Queen's coffin placed in Balmoral ballroom she loved as a young Princess
• TV cancellations after the Queen's death – from ITV Daytime to soaps
• Queen's family 'have a plan in place' for much-loved Corgis, says expert
• For the latest updates on the Royal Family, sign up to OK!'s weekly royals newsletter

Source: Read Full Article