From BZ/dpa
The new King Charles III. renewed his mother’s promise of lifelong service to his people.
The 73-year-old said on Friday in his first speech to the nation as the new monarch.
His mother once promised to devote “her whole life, short or long,” to the service of her subjects. She kept that promise and now he wants to renew it, Charles said.
His son and heir to the throne, William, was given the title “Prince of Wales”. It was a privilege to hold that title, Charles said in his first televised address to the nation on Friday night. He was confident that William, 40, and his wife Kate, 40, would continue to inspire British society and lead national debates as the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Previously, Charles himself had borne the title Prince of Wales. His wife Camilla – now “Queen Consort” – bore the title Duchess of Wales.
Forgiving towards Harry and Meghan
Charles III In his first speech to the nation as the new monarch, he made a conciliatory statement about his younger son Harry (37) and his wife Meghan (41). “I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build lives overseas,” the 73-year-old said in the recorded address at Buckingham Palace on Friday.
Harry and Meghan had broken away from the inner circle of the royal family more than two years ago and now live with their children Archie (3) and Lilibet (1) in the US state of California. Harry had fallen out with his father Charles and his older brother William.
The Queen died Thursday at Balmoral Castle, Scotland, aged 96.