King Charles tells Liz Truss how the Queen's death was the 'day I have been dreading'

The new King told Prime Minister Liz Truss how moved he had been by the public outpouring of condolences after the death of his mother the Queen.

His admission came as he met the PM for the first time today. Video footage has been released showing how the pair greeted each other in the moments before the first "audience" held between them. The monarch holds a weekly audience with the Prime Minister which is by convention entirely secret.

For both the King and Ms Truss this was their first audience - the latter having only become the PM this week. She can be seen curtseying before meeting the King, and expressing her condolences.

Read more: King Charles's speech in full as he pays tribute to 'darling Mama' in first address to nation

The King can be heard saying: "It has been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here with all of those people giving their condolences." At which point the Prime Minister added her own "very, very sincere condolences".

King Charles responded that she was "very, very kind", before adding: "It's the day I have been dreading as I know a lot of people have. Come in, have a seat."

King Charles meets Prime Minister Liz Truss at Buckingham Palace (Getty Images)

Following the meeting, the new King gave a moving address to the nation at the beginning of a ceremony of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth, who died on Thursday afternoon. He paid tribute to his "darling mama", and also created his son William as the new Prince of Wales.

The King used his address to affirm the same dedications to duty that his mother had, and to share his love for his second son Prince Harry and wife Meghan. Earlier today the King announced that a period of Royal Mourning would last for seven days from the Queen's funeral - which at this stage has yet to be set.

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