King Charles III mentions Prince Harry and Meghan in speech

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Sitting at a mahogany desk beside a photograph of the Queen that he had chosen from Clarence House, Charles III appeared close to tears at times – praising his late mother as an inspiration and an example to all of his family.

He said: “We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.

“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.”

In a final flourish borrowed from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, he added: “May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’.”

His emotional address, his first to the nation and the Commonwealth as monarch, was seen by millions around the UK and right around the world.

MPs watched the speech in silence in the House of Commons chamber, some visibly wiping away tears, before applauding at the end of the address.

The nine and a half minute speech had been recorded earlier yesterday afternoon in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace where the late Queen Elizabeth II delivered several of her Christmas messages.

The King echoed the vow that his mother had made on her 21st birthday – to devote his whole life, however long it may be, to service.

His Majesty added: “That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.

“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.”

The monarch used his address to make William and Kate the new Prince and Princess of Wales, an honour not always accorded to the heir to the throne immediately.

He also offered an olive branch to the estranged Duke and Duchess of Sussex, expressing his “love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”,

The King, dressed in a black suit, black tie and with a black and white checked handkerchief in his breast pocket, paid tribute to his “darling wife” Camilla, the new Queen Consort.

He added: “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much,” he said.

He vowed to retain the monarchy’s devotion to the Church of England and its values. But he also set out the changes his new role will bring, confirming, as the Daily Express has previously reported, that he will now distance himself from his charities, which have shaped much of his life as heir to the throne, and their controversial fundraising efforts because of his new responsibilities.

“My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. 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,” he said.

On the desk was a posy of sweet peas mixed with rosemary representing remembrance. A vase beside him had three corgis at the base and had come from his late mother’s audience room.

The new Prince of Wales, William, now takes on responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall estate and inherits his father’s Scottish titles, Lord of the Isles and Duke of Rothesday.

Charles stressed that his son and daughter-in-law, Kate, would continue their current work, which includes focusing on young people, Britain’s mental health crisis, and giving children under five a better start in life. “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,” he said.

A royal source said: “The couple are focused on deepening the trust and respect of the people of Wales over time.

“The Prince and Princess of Wales will approach their roles in the modest and humble way they’ve approached their work previously.”

“The new Princess of Wales appreciates the history associated with this role but will understandably want to look to the future as she creates her own path.”

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