"I pay tribute to the memory of my mother, who was a source of inspiration, a guide and an example for all of us, always showing a deep commitment and a sense of service for her people".
Thus Charles III of England , "with sadness and pain", in his first speech to the nation as a sovereign , after the death of his mother Elizabeth II, who died after 70 years of reign, aged 96 , in Balmoral, Scotland.
The heir to the throne has arrived in London to kick off the formal succession process. Arriving at Buckingham Palace together with his wife Camilla - who will be proclaimed queen consort - the new king of England was greeted by a crowd of subjects , with whom he entertained for a few minutes, before crossing the gates of the royal palace, where thousands of people have placed flowers and messages of affection and condolence for the late sovereign during these hours.
Then the words addressed to the subjects, live on television: "The queen - continued Carlo in his speech - has served the people with devotion and I promise to do the same for as long as I have in front of me, with love, respect and loyalty" .
Then the sovereign spent words for his wife Camilla ("I count on her") and for his eldest son William (whom he appointed Prince of Wales, or next heir to the throne). But Carlo also affectionately quoted Harry and Meghan , "who will continue - he said - to build their lives overseas".
Finally, other affectionate words for the mother, spoken with great emotion: “You have started your last journey and you will join dad (Philip of Edinburgh, who died in 2021, ed). Thank you for your love for our family and for the family of nations that you have always served all these years, in joys and sorrows ”.
(Unioneonline / lf)