King Charles III has addressed the nation for the first time following the death of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The historic address at 6pm from the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace came as mourners gathered for a remembrance service at St Paul’s Cathedral at the same time, which is being attended by Prime Minister, Liz Truss.
God Save the King will be sung officially for the first time at the service, which will honour the Queen’s “long life spent in the service of this country”, love for her family and commitment to duty.
The King said his mother pledged to devote her life “to the service of her peoples” on her 21st birthday in 1947.
He said: “That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty.”
The monarch also said he was creating his son and heir, William, Prince of Wales adding: “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.”
In his address, the King also wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
Earlier, the King was given a rapturous welcome as he greeted well-wishers gathered outside Buckingham Palace, with crowds clamouring to greet him and offer their condolences.
It was the new King’s first walkabout and encounter with the public since his historic accession. The Royal Family have begun what will be a lengthy mourning period after Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully in Balmoral, aged 96.
The period of royal mourning will be observed from Friday until seven days after the Queen’s funeral. The funeral date and length of national mourning are yet to be released.
A number of gun salutes fired across London at 1pm - one round for every year of the Queen’s life.
