King Charles celebrates Queen Elizabeth’s ‘selfless service’ in first address to Parliament
- First address to Parliament as monarch marks several official events this week ahead of a state funeral for Queen Elizabeth on September 19
- King Charles previously filled in his mother at the State Opening of Parliament in May
King Charles celebrated the “selfless service” of Queen Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-serving sovereign, in his first address to both houses of Parliament as monarch on Monday.
The brief speech, given in the historic Westminster Hall on the parliamentary estate, was part of a series of official events occurring across Britain this week ahead of a state funeral for the queen on September 19.
“While very young, Her Majesty pledge 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,” said King Charles, who was accompanied by Camilla, the Queen Consort and his wife.
“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,” he said.
Queen Elizabeth died at the age of 96 on Thursday in Scotland.
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In May, King Charles filled in for his mother at the ceremonial State Opening of Parliament, when the sovereign gives a speech laying out the government’s legislative agenda.