King Charles III honors 'beloved mother,' renews vow of lifelong service in first speech

King Charles has already begun to attend to his monarch duties shortly after the demise of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Following her death in Balmoral, His Majesty the King arrived at St Paul's Cathedral in London to give his first address alongside newly selected Prime Minister Liz Truss.

King Charles began his speech by saying, "I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration, an example to me and to all my family and we owe her the most heartfelt debt that any family could owe to their mother."

He went on to honor the Queen’s “well-lived life” and renewed the vow of lifelong service.

"In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples.

"That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment that defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty.

"Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.

"In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign.

"And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humor and an unerring ability always to see the best in people.

"I pay tribute to my Mother's memory and I honor her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all."

He added: "This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my 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."