A stunning behind-the-scenes video from the Buckingham Palace Drawing Room reveals King Charles III’s first national address.
In a highly personal and emotional inaugural address to the nation, the new King paid tribute to his ‘darling Mama’ the Queen and swore to’renew’ her ‘promise of a life of service’
He addressed the nation from the same chamber where his mother delivered countless of Christmas addresses.
The monarch, choking back tears, said, “To my lovely Mama, thank you, thank you” after Elizabeth II’s death at Balmoral on Thursday, aged 96.
In a statement presented at a service of prayer and contemplation at St Paul’s Cathedral, the King spoke of a ‘period of transformation for my family’ while hailing his ‘darling wife Camilla’ who becomes Queen Consort ‘in honor of her own faithful public service since our marriage 17 years ago’
Charles, 72, expressed his admiration for Harry and Meghan as they create their lives overseas.
The King also announced that he has made William Prince of Wales and Kate Princess of Wales, a title Diana last held.
New palace footage shows King Charles before and after his speech as cameras and lighting are set up.
A photographer captures King Charles III after his first national address.
After his heartfelt tribute to his’mama,’ the King appeared gloomy in behind-the-scenes footage.
King Charles III was upset and sad following his speech 24 hours after his mother’s death.
King Charles III, choking back tears, exclaimed, “To my lovely Mama, thank you, thank you” after Elizabeth II’s death at 96 at Balmoral Castle yesterday.
Charles gave his speech in Buckingham Palace’s Blue Drawing Room, where the Queen filmed her Christmas broadcasts. To the King’s left was a framed photo of his late mother, the Queen, smiling and wearing a blue coat and red-flowered hat.
“Am I done?” asked the King.
‘ off-screen, possibly a member of the technical crew
Charles was then seen leaving the cameras and sound crew.
The video shows Charles at Buckingham Palace while a royal photographer snaps a photo.
He’s surrounded by cameras, a sound technician, and enormous lamps.
Speech by Charles III
‘I’m deeply sorry. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and my family. We owe her the most heartfelt gratitude any family can due their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example.
Queen Elizabeth spent a life well, honoured her vow to destiny, and is much lamented. I renew my vow of lifetime service.
‘Along with the personal loss my family is feeling, we share with so many of you in the UK, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth, and across the world, a tremendous sense of appreciation for the more than 70 years my Mother served so many nations as Queen.
In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she swore in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, short or long, to the service of her peoples. This was more than a pledge; it defined her life. She was loyal.
Her dedication as Sovereign never wavered amid change, development, joy, celebration, and grief.
In her service, we observed a love of tradition and a fearless embracing of progress, which made us great as a life. Her reign was marked by love, admiration, and respect.
‘And, as every member of my family will attest, Mom matched these talents with warmth, humour, and an unfailing capacity to see the best in others.
I honor my mother’s life of service. I know her death saddens many of you, and I share your loss.
When the Queen came to the throne, Britain and the globe were still struggling with the Second World War’s consequences and living by prior customs. In the previous 70 years, our society has grown multi-cultural and multi-religious.
‘State institutions changed. Our nation and the wider family of Realms, whose talents, traditions, and achievements I am so proud of, have developed and flourished. Our values must stay stable.
‘The Monarchy’s function and obligations remain, as does the Sovereign’s relationship and responsibility to the Church of England, where my religion is deeply based.
‘In this faith and the beliefs it inspires, I was raised to embrace a feeling of obligation to others and to respect our unique history, freedoms, and responsibilities.
‘As The Queen did with steadfast devotion, I now solemnly swear to safeguard the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.
‘And wherever you live in the UK or other realms and territories, and whatever your background or views, I will serve you with devotion, respect, and love, as I have all my life. New obligations will transform my life.
‘I can’t devote as much time and energy to the charities and causes I care about. But I believe this critical effort will continue in capable hands.
‘This is a time of transformation in my family. Camilla, my sweet wife, helps me. She’s my Queen Consort for her 17 years of public service since our marriage.
I know she will bring her steady devotion to duty to her new role. As my Heir, William inherits my Scottish titles.
He replaces me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the Duchy’s obligations. Today, I’m happy to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I’ve been privileged to wear for so much of my life and duty.
Our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, with Catherine at his side, continue to inspire and lead national conversations, bringing the peripheral to the center where critical support may be given. I love Harry and Meghan as they create their lives abroad.
In a week, we will bury my mother as a nation, Commonwealth, and global community. Let us gain strength from her example in our sorrow.
‘On behalf of my family, I appreciate your condolences and support. I can’t convey how much I value them.
‘And to my lovely Mama, as you make your final great journey to join my late Papa, thank you.
‘Thank you for your years of service to our family and the family of countries. May angels serenade you to sleep.
On Charles’ left is a portrait of his mother in blue. On the table to his right is a little bouquet.
The King is depicted in his coat, tie, and black-and-white handkerchief from the address.
New footage shows the King taking an interest in his surroundings and interacting with the technical crew.
‘Am I done?’ he asks the camera team.
‘ after his emotional statement to the nation.
He smiles at the crew before standing up, turning to the camera, and appearing grave and sorrowful.
The royal family’s YouTube video soon received heartfelt reactions.
One viewer observed, ‘His eyes show his pain.’ God bless him.
Second: “Still giving the planet so much time.” A child-king.
‘Delivers an honest speech while mourning his mother.
“A King with integrity.” King lives!
“The sadness in his eyes,” said a third. God bless you.
“Man, I’m out of Kleenex.” I’m crying.’
The video showed more details of last night’s homage to the Queen, including a vase with corgis and rosemary for remembering.
Charles sat at an old desk in Buckingham Palace’s Blue Drawing Room, where the Queen filmed Christmas programs.
On the King’s left was a framed photo of his late mother, the Queen, smiling and wearing a blue coat and red-flowered hat.
On the right, white sweet peas were paired with rosemary, a traditional emblem of remembering.
The posy was in a silver vase with silver corgis at the base.
The Queen used the ornament on her desk.
It was a moving tribute to the queen’s beloved canines, who brought her joy throughout her reign.
John Nash’s Blue Drawing Room features 1860 scagliola columns painted to resemble onyx.
Five cut-glass chandeliers, settees, chairs, and tables are utilized for royal receptions.
Behind-the-scenes footage shows how King Charles III’s address included poignant nods to his mother.
A royal insider stated last night that the new Princess of Wales recognizes the role’s heritage but will look to the future as she establishes her own path.
In his speech, the King remarked of his ‘loving mother’ Elizabeth II, ‘We owe her the most emotional obligation any family can give to their mother’
‘As you begin your last great journey to join my late Papa, I want to say thank you,’ he wrote.
‘Thank you for your years of service to our family and the family of countries. May angels serenade you to sleep.
The King committed to dedicate his life to serving the nation, just as the Queen did at her accession, saying, “That promise of lifetime service I renew to you all now.”
The king pre-recorded the address in the Blue Drawing Room of the royal home in central London. It was played at 6pm on Friday.
The King, wearing a black suit, black tie, and a black-and-white checked handkerchief, stated, ‘I speak to you now with tremendous grief.’
Her Majesty The Queen, my beloved Mother, was an inspiration and example to me and my family throughout her life. We owe her the most heartfelt gratitude any family can due to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example.
Queen Elizabeth spent a life well, honoured her vow to destiny, and is much lamented. Today, I renew my vow of lifetime service.
Charles acknowledged he will have to pull back from his philanthropic interests and ‘problems’ he has worked for now that he is king, possibly ending his lobbying of ministers with his famed ‘black spider memoranda’
His new responsibilities will transform his life, he claimed. I can’t devote as much time and energy to the charities and causes I care about. But I believe this critical effort will continue in capable hands.
‘This is a time of transformation in my family. Camilla, my sweet wife, helps me. She’s my Queen Consort for her 17 years of public service since our marriage.
I know she’ll bring her unshakable devotion to duty to her new role.
After watching the King’s speech in silence, MPs cheered. The speech moved others to tears.
MPs watched the address on TVs in the Commons chamber.
2,000 members attended a thanksgiving service at St. Paul’s Cathedral yesterday night; tickets were first-come, first-served.
Many finally saw their new King.
Members of the crowd cried during the service while the choir sang. One woman was observed wiping her eyes while a piper played Flowers of the Forest, a funeral lament.
Liz Truss read Romans 14 with solemnity. 7-12.
“We don’t live or die for ourselves,” she remarked. Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
To be Lord of the dead and the living, Christ died and rose again.
Why judge your sibling? Why do you hate your sibling? We’ll all face God’s judgment.
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend to me, and every tongue shall glorify God,” so each of us will be accountable to God.
Sadiq Khan, Sir Keir Starmer, Kwasi Kwarteng, and James Cleverly listened to her reading before standing for the hymn.
In a separate location, the House of Commons Speaker and Lord Speaker sat together, while Nadhim Zahawi sat alongside Lord High Chancellor Brandon Lewis.
Therese Coffey, Penny Mordaunt, and Robert Buckland sang together throughout the service.
Today, massive crowds welcomed the new monarch as he arrived at Buckingham Palace in a classic Rolls-Royce with Camilla, the Queen Consort. He then got out and shook hands with innumerable well-wishers.
God Save the King was shouted before an impromptu rendition of the National Anthem with new lyrics.
The Royal Standard was raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time during his reign.