King Charles honours Queen Elizabeth in first televised address
- At 73, King Charles is the oldest person ever to ascend to the British throne
- Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died at age 96 on Thursday
In his first televised address as monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth, King Charles praised his mother’s “profound, personal commitment” to serving Britain and other Commonwealth nations on Friday.
At 73, King Charles is the oldest person to ascend to the British throne, following a 70-year reign by his mother. Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-serving monarch, died at the age of 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Thursday.
“Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today,” the king said in a 10-minute address.
King Charles delivered the speech, which was pre-recorded before its broadcast on Friday evening, from the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
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Displayed prominently during the address was a photo of his mother smiling in a teal dress and matching hat.