Britain's King Charles III on Friday pledged to give “lifelong service” to the people of the United Kingdom and his other realms in a solemn address to the nation a day after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
“As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” the King said.
"Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom or in the realms and territories across the world and whatever maybe your background and beliefs I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life," he added.
King Charles III also reflected on his mother's service.
“In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which makes us great as nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign,” he said.
“And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}“And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}The new monarch also praised his "darling wife" Camilla, now Queen Consort, and his eldest son and heir William and his daughter-in-law Kate, on whom he bestowed the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales.
Charles also expressed his love for his younger son Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan, a significant gesture towards a couple whose relationships with the rest of the royal family have been strained.
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The king's speech was broadcast on television and streamed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where some 2,000 people attended a service of remembrance for the queen. Mourners at the service included Prime Minister Liz Truss and members of her government.
As the country began a 10-day mourning period, people around the globe gathered at British embassies to pay homage to the queen, who died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
In London and at military sites across the United Kingdom, cannons fired 96 shots in an elaborate, 16-minute salute marking each year of the queen’s life.
(With inputs from agencies)