King Charles vows to follow Queen’s “selfless duty” in first address to Parliament

In his first speech to both Houses of Parliament as monarch, King Charles III pledged to uphold the late Queen’s “selfless duty.”

The King addressed 900 MPs and peers at Westminster Hall and referred to Parliament as the “living and breathing instrument of our democracy.”

The House of Commons and Lords speakers had previously expressed their condolences.

“As great as our grief is, we know yours is deeper,” said Sir Lindsay Hoyle, speaker of the Commons.

Addressing the King on behalf of MPs, Sir Lindsay added: “We know you hold the greatest respect, the precious traditions, the freedoms, and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government.

“We know that you will bear those responsibilities which fall to you with the fortitude, dignity, demonstrated by Her late Majesty.”

The King, in his response, said: “While very young, Her Late Majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation. This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion.

“She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”

At 10:25 BST, the Royal Standard was hoisted in lieu of the half-mast while state trumpeters sounded a fanfare as King Charles entered Westminster Hall.

Both Houses of Parliament sent their condolences to the monarch and Camilla, Queen Consort, in Westminster Hall, where the Queen’s body will also lay in state later this week.

The late Queen was honored by Lord McFall, who said she “”captured the imagination of peoples across the globe.”

“We remember her commitment, her kindness, her humour, her courage and her fortitude as well as the deep faith which was the anchor in her life,” he added.

“We are proud and humbled to welcome you as King.”