King Charles III speaks during the Accession Council at the Palace of St. James, in London, on Saturday, September 10. (Jonathan Brady/Pool/AP)
King Charles III has made his statement at the Palau de Sant Jaume.
He paid tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and spoke of the “great heritage and the great duties and responsibilities of sovereignty that have now passed to me”.
Here is his full speech:
Gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen.
It is my most regrettable duty to announce to you the death of my beloved Mother, the Queen.
I know to what extent you, the whole Nation – and I think I can say the whole world – sympathize with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered. It is the greatest comfort to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that this overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our entire family in our loss.
To all of us as a family, to this kingdom and to the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my Mother set an example of lifelong love and selfless service.
My Mother’s reign was unparalleled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even when we are in pain, we give thanks for this faithful life.
I am deeply conscious of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of Sovereignty which have now passed to me. In assuming these responsibilities, I will endeavor to follow the inspiring example set before me in maintaining constitutional government and in seeking the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories all over the world
In this purpose, I know that I shall retain the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I shall be guided by the advice of their elected parliaments. In all of this, I am deeply encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife.
I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of handing over hereditary income, including the Crown estate, to my government for the benefit of all, in return for the sovereign grant, which supports my official duties as head of state and Head of Nation.
And in carrying out the heavy task that has been entrusted to me, and to which I now dedicate the rest of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of the Almighty God.