‘May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’: King Charles delivers address after Queen’s death
Posted September 9, 2022 1:27 pm.
Last Updated September 9, 2022 5:50 pm.
King Charles III has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, a day after she died at the age of 96.
In his first address since the Queen’s passing, the King remembered his mother fondly, saying her life was one “well lived.”
“A promise that destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing,” he said Friday. “That promise of life-long service I renew to you all today.
“Alongside the person grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the Queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth, an across the world a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations.”
King Charles III, formerly the Prince of Wales, succeeded his mother after her passing Thursday.
“As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles, which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Dutch of Cornwall, which I had undertaken for more than five decades,” he explained. “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, a country whose title I have been so greatly privilege to bear during so much of my life and duty.”
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In his 10-minute address Friday, the new monarch highlighted much of his mother’s life in service. Moreover, he spoke of the sacrifices she made through her life for the people.
“Her dedication and devotion was sovereign, never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss,” he continued.
The King went on to talk about the progress the Queen witnessed in her decades on the throne, adding she combined her qualities as monarch with “warmth, humour, and an unerring ability, always, to see the best in people.”
“I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honour her life of service,” he added.
“In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express. And, to my darling mama, as you begin your last, great journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
The 96-year-old Queen was put under medical supervision at her Balmoral estate in Scotland after doctors became concerned for her health. Her family gathered on Thursday to be with her.
The eldest daughter of Prince Albert — later King George VI — and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, Elizabeth’s coronation was held on June 2, 1953, with the ceremony being broadcast on radio globally. It was also broadcast on TV for the first time, at her request.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which celebrates 70 years on the throne, was marked in February 2022.
