King Charles vows to continue Elizabeth’s legacy

London, Sep 9 (EFE).- In his first address as king of the United Kingdom, Charles III paid tribute Friday to his late mother, Elizabeth II, and promised to be guided by the example she set over a reign that lasted more than 70 years.

“I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. 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,” he said from Buckingham Palace a day after Elizabeth’s death at the age of 96.

Charles, 73, wore a black suit and tie and spoke while seated at a desk with a framed photograph Elizabeth II at his side.

“Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today,” he said.

Elizabeth was the longest reigning monarch in British history and the seven decades Charles spent as heir to the throne was also unprecedented.

“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,” Charles III said.

The king designated his second wife, Camilla, as Queen Consort, and proclaimed his oldest son, William, as Prince of Wales, the title borne by the next in line to the throne.

“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,” the king said.

Charles also made mention of younger son Prince Harry and the latter’s American wife, Meghan Markle, who now reside in the United States after the prince decided to step away from royal duties.

Harry said at the time that intense media scrutiny of Markle brought back painful memories of what his mother, the late Princess Diana, endured during the breakup of her marriage to Charles.

“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” Charles said.

The king concluded on a more personal note.

“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,” he said.

“May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest,'” Charles said, quoting from Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” EFE er/dr