King Charles III Promises To Follow Queen’s Selfless Duty
King Charles III promised to follow the late Queen’s “selfless duty” in his first address to both Houses of Parliament as monarch.
The King said Parliament was the “living and breathing instrument of our democracy” as he spoke in front of 900 MPs and peers at Westminster Hall. It followed condolences from speakers of the House of Commons and Lords.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, House of Commons speaker, said “as deep as our grief is, we know yours is deeper”.
Addressing the King on behalf of MPs, Sir Lindsay added: “We know you hold the greatest respect, the precious traditions, the freedoms, and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government.
“We know that you will bear those responsibilities which fall to you with the fortitude, dignity, demonstrated by Her late Majesty.”
The King, in his response, said: “While very young, Her Late Majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation. This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion.
“She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.” State trumpeters played a fanfare as King Charles made his way through Westminster Hall at 10:25 BST while the Royal Standard was raised in place of the half mast.
At Westminster Hall- which is also where the Queen’s coffin will lie in state later this week for four days- the monarch, accompanied by Camilla, Queen Consort, were offered condolences on behalf of both Houses of Parliament.
Lord McFall paid tribute to the late Queen and said she “captured the imagination of peoples across the globe”.
“We remember her commitment, her kindness, her humour, her courage and her fortitude as well as the deep faith which was the anchor in her life,” he added.
“We are proud and humbled to welcome you as King.”
Also among the attendees in the hall was Ugbana Oyet, the first black sergeant at arms in the role’s history.