After the death of the Queen on Thursday, her son and heir, who became King immediately, gave a sombre and moving address to the UK on Friday evening. "Queen Elizabeth's was a life well lived," he said, referring to his “darling mama” and her well-known commitment to a life of service.
The King spoke from Buckingham Palace, consciously carrying on tradition in recording his message in the same room where the Queen would record her Christmas messages. He had earlier been met on arrival at the palace with cheers from the crowd gathered outside and shouts of ‘God Save the King.’ His speech also featured the national anthem as ‘God Save the King'.
As his wife Camilla, previously the Duchess of Cornwall, steps into the role of Queen Consort, "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 King's eldest son Prince William is now second in line to the throne, and takes on the title of Prince of Wales; William's wife Catherine now becomes Princess of Wales, a title not used since the death of Princess Diana. The couple will also take over the Duchy of Cornwall, becoming Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and 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," said Charles.
His final words in the speech were a touching tribute to his mother. "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'."
