Charles delivers his first Parliament speech as King of Britain

King of Britain

LONDON: King Charles III 

on Monday addressed parliament for the first time as Britain's monarch, during which he spoke of his "dear late mother" and vowed to uphold the "precious principles of constitutional governance". I will follow them. Condolences given by the House of Commons and Lords at Westminster Hall, the King said he was deeply grateful for the condolence address that so poignantly covered what the Queen means to all of us. Paying tribute to his mother, Charles said, "As [William] Shakespeare had previously said of Queen Elizabeth, she was a model for all living princes."

Charles said he could not help but "feel the weight of history that surrounds us and reminds us of the important parliamentary traditions to which parliamentarians and peers dedicate themselves."

"Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy," he said.

From the silver jubilee fountain to the solarium on the occasion of her golden jubilee at the Old Palace Yard, the ties of "my dear late mother" are seen all around us, he said.

The 73-year-old monarch will now fly to Edinburgh with Queen Consort Camilla to lead the royal procession behind the Queen's coffin as it travels from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles' Cathedral in the Scottish capital. After a special service to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the coffin will rest in the cathedral for 24 hours so that members of the public can pay their respects.

King Charles III will have an audience with Scottish First Nicola Sturgeon and attend the Scottish Parliament to receive a condolence motion. On Monday evening, the monarch will hold a vigil along with other members of the royal family at St Giles' Cathedral, where the coffin will be draped in the Royal Standard flag and the crown of Scotland will be placed on top.

"I am deeply aware of this great legacy and the duties of sovereignty and the enormous responsibilities that I now have," Charles said in his proclamation when he was proclaimed king over the weekend.

"In carrying out these responsibilities, I will endeavor to follow the inspiring example of maintaining constitutional government and seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for the people of these islands and Commonwealth territories and territories."