Elizabeth II 1926-2022 | Charles III promises to be carried by the legacy of his mother

No British king has waited so long for his appointment with history. In his first address as monarch, Charles III said on Friday that he pledged himself “solemnly throughout his life to defend the constitutional principles which are at the heart of our nation” as his mother had done “with unwavering dedication”.

Louise Leduc
The Press

Tribute to the Queen

Seated behind a desk on which his mother’s photograph was prominently displayed, Charles III spoke from Buckingham Palace at 6 p.m. local time. His speech was broadcast around the world and in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London where a religious ceremony began in the presence of Prime Minister Liz Truss. In his speech, the new sovereign praised his mother’s sense of duty, the sacrifices she made, in good times as in the hardships that marked his 96 years and his 70 years of reign.

Praise, also, of the mother

On a personal note, Charles III also insisted on his mother’s sense of humor and on qualities less often attributed to her, saying all the affection, love and warmth with which she surrounded his relatives. “She always saw the best in everyone. “To my dear Mum, who is embarking on her final journey and joining my dear late Dad, thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the nations you have tirelessly served for all these years. »

“Family changes” in sight

As the rules of succession have always dictated, Charles III’s destiny could only be fulfilled once his mother had breathed her last. Referring to the “family changes” that his bereavement entails, he paid tribute to his “dear wife who becomes the queen consort and who has served the people so well since our marriage 17 years ago”. He insisted on Camilla’s sense of duty, on which he said he had relied so much in recent years.

He then announced that his son was made Duke of Cornwall and also became Prince of Wales. This will bring Wiliam to play a leading role. “With Katherine [Kate Middleton] at his side”, he will inspire the nation, according to Charles III.

The mourning comes at a time when Charles III, like his son William, is on very bad terms with the youngest son, Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, who have increased criticism of the royal family in recent years.

Despite everything, Charles III said: “I also express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas. »

Moment of silence and walkabout

The day was gray in London and regulated to the minute according to a protocol repeated for years. On Friday morning, at the start of the extraordinary Council of Ministers, the British government, saying it was “united in its support for the new king”, observed a moment of silence in memory of the queen. Accompanied by his wife Camilla, King Charles III arrived at Buckingham Palace in the afternoon where he was warmly received by the crowd.

In a dark suit, he shook hands, greeted Londoners, received kisses, even. “God Save the King!” people shouted, while others sang the British anthem. A successful walkabout for the unloved in the polls and for the one of whom it has been said on many occasions that it might be better for him to pass his turn in favor of his son William, much more appreciated by the population. .

Time stopped

In the UK, time has stood still, including union protests as rampant inflation rocks the country. The filming of the series The Crown was interrupted as a sign of respect (even if the series does not reflect a very positive image of the royal family). The Bank of England postponed until September 22 the unveiling of its new monetary policy.

The flowerbeds around the palaces recall the tributes paid to Diana, Charles’s first wife, who died in Paris in a car accident. The great age of the queen and the less tragic circumstances of her disappearance make the mourning less emotional, but particularly solemn.

Because this page that is turned is that of the longest reign of a British monarch. Charles III will have much less time to leave his mark.

With Reuters and Agence France-Presse