Kings Charles III thanks Queen for her 'love and devotion' and pledges to 'serve with loyalty, respect and love' in address to nation

In an address to the nation, the King said his mother pledged to devote her life “to the service of her peoples” on her 21st birthday in 1947.

He said: “That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life.

“She made sacrifices for duty.

“Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.”

The King added: “As the Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.”

The King said he was creating his son and heir, William, Prince of Wales adding: “With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.”

The King said: “My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities.”

He added: “It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.”

The King added he wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.

The King ended his address by saying: “To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’.”

MPs applauded the King’s address after they watched it in silence in the Commons chamber.

Some could be seen wiping away tears during the speech.

The Commons had been suspended for a short period to allow MPs to watch the speech on televisions in the chamber.

For the first time in 70 years, when King George VI was the ruler of the country, Britain’s head of state is once again a king.

This has resulted in a change of the title of the country’s national anthem, as it is now called ‘God Save The King’.

See the lyrics here.

The reign of King Charles III has begun and, as the name suggests, he is the third monarch to be known as Charles in the history of the crown.

Both of King Charles III’s namesakes had turbulent reigns as monarch, reigning through civil wars, outbreaks of plague, and the worst fire the city of London has ever seen.

You can read more about how King Charles I and II fared during their time on the throne here.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II brought to an end the second Elizabethan era, and sparked the beginning of a new time in British history.

The next era of British history under King Charles III will be known as the Carolean era.

It was most recently used to describe the reign of King Charles II who was ruler from 1660 to 1685.

You can read more about it here.

Hetton town residents who wish to pay a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II can sign the council’s book of condolence.

It is available at The Hetton Centre.

The Mayor of Hetton David Geddis opened the book on Friday morning, September 9.

Here are other places in Wearside where you can sign books of condolence.

It was a sombre mood on the streets of Sunderland this morning, Friday September 9.

Residents mourning the death of the Queen described her as “Britain’s backbone” and a “brilliant leader” who will be greatly missed.

Watch their tributes here.