By BIN | 02:25 AM September 10, 2022
Britain’s King Charles pledged to give lifelong service to the people of the United Kingdom and his other realms in a solemn address to the nation a day after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth.
“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,” he said in his first address to the nation as monarch.
“Wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.”
However, he added that he would no longer have so much time for some of the causes that he has championed through his life.
“My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities,” he said. “It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.”
Meanwhile, King Charles has made his elder son, William, the Prince of Wales as well as the Duke of Cornwall, both titles that Charles held until the death of his mother on Thursday.
“He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades,” the King said.
“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,” said the King.
He also had words for his younger son, Harry: “I want to also express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas,” he said.
“This is also a time of change for my family,” the King said as he confirmed that Camilla, his “darling wife” of 17 years, will become his Queen Consort in recognition of “her own loyal public service since our marriage”. With reports from Financial Times