In his first address to the nation, Charles paid tribute to his mother for her devotion to her family and to those she reigned over, saying her loss brought great sadness and a “sense of loss, beyond measure”.
Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a towering presence on the world stage for 70 years, died on Thursday at her home in Scotland aged 96, drawing an outpouring of tributes from at home and around the globe.
Her death – which meant he became king and head of state of the United Kingdom and 14 other realms including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea – was “the moment I’ve been dreading”, Charles earlier told Prime Minister Liz Truss.
“Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing,” Charles said in his address, which he delivered from Buckingham Palace with a photograph of her displayed next to him.
“That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.”
He and other members of the royal family had rushed to be at the queen’s side at her Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, when news of her ailing health emerged.
He returned to Buckingham Palace in London on Friday where he was greeted with cheers, applause and a crowd singing “God Save The King”.
In his televised message, the 73-year-old Charles reflected on his mother’s promise she made in 1947, aged 21, to devote her life to the service of her peoples, a vow he pledged to emulate “throughout the remaining time God grants me”.
“That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty,” he said.
“Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.”
Charles said he had made his eldest son William the new Prince of Wales, the title that had been his for decades and one traditionally held by the heir to the throne. William’s wife Kate becomes Princess of Wales, a role last held by the late Princess Diana.
He also expressed his love for younger son Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, whose exit from their royal roles two years ago caused deep ructions within the family and provoked a major crisis in the monarchy.
On Saturday, Charles will be officially proclaimed king at a meeting of the Accession Council held at St James’s Palace followed by proclamations across the nation in a show of traditional British pomp and ceremony.
