King Charles has been the reining monarch of Britain for a little more than a week. With the death of his mother, he takes on the duties Her Majesty had for 70 years. Sadly, this means that some of the charitable work close to his heart will have to be put on hold.
Over the years, King Charles has held many speeches. One might say he is better prepared to become King than any other in history, given the amount of time he’s been waiting.
Only a day after his mother’s passing, Charles held his first address to the nation. As the Queen was finally laid to rest, His Majesty held an emotional speech, thanking the country for their support and love.
Yet it wasn’t that long ago that one of his speeches left people rather confused. It wasn’t so much what he said during the speech, but rather a mysterious photo snapped of the background.
The newly-announced King Charles is all begin his reign as monarch.
Last Saturday – in an emotional first address to the nation – the 73-year-old spoke highly of his late mother.
In his address, Charles expressed that despite the sorrow around the nation and Commonwealth, people would always “remember and draw strength from the light of her example.”
He added some inspirational words:
“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,” King Charles said. “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.’”
On Wednesday, Queen Elizabeth’s coffin was transported from Buckingham Palace as she left her official home for the last time. The journey to Westminster Hall went along Queen’s Gardens, The Mall, Horse Guards and Horse Guards Arch, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square, and New Palace Yard, with tens of thousands of people honoring her along the way.
The procession – which, according to The Guardian, had been decades in the making – saw the Queen’s coffin placed on a gun carriage and drawn through the center of the capital. The gun carriage, The George Gun, was also used for the ceremonies when the Queen Mother and King George VI – Her Majesty’s parents – passed away.
King Charles joined William and Harry in walking behind the coffin, along with the Queen’s other children, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, and Princess Anne. Meanwhile, the Queen Consort, Kate Middleton, Sophie, and Meghan Markle traveled by car.
Following the State Funeral on Monday, the Queen’s coffin traveled from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch in Procession. From Wellington Arch, the coffin went to Windsor, and once there, the hearse continued in Procession to St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, via the Long Walk. At St George’s Chapel.
On Sunday, just one day before the funeral, King Charles addressed the nation again.
King Charles reportedly held a reception at Buckingham Palace on Sunday evening for all heads of state attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth. At 8 P.M, a national minute’s silence was held.
The entire nation is mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth, and on Sunday, King Charles took the time to thank them. The monarch said he and Camilla – the Queen Consort – were “moved beyond measure” by everyone paying their respects.
“As we prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you,” he said.
“Over the last 10 days, my wife and I have been so deeply touched by the many messages of condolences and support we have received from this country and across the world,” he wrote.
“In London, Edinburgh, Hillsborough, and Cardiff, we were moved beyond measure by everyone who took the trouble to come and pay their respects to the lifelong service of my dear mother, the late Queen.
“As we all prepare to say our last farewell, I wanted simply to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those countless people who have been such a support and comfort to my family and myself in this time of grief.”
King Charles was officially announced as King just days after Queen Elizabeth’s passing. He will take on many new duties, but unfortunately, as he confirmed in his speech, this will mean cutting down on certain charitable work.
He and Camilla have lived at Clarence House for nearly 20 years. As of today, it’s still unclear whether he and the Queen Consort will move into Buckingham Palace or remain at their residence.
Now, becoming King of England means many things. It’s the most pivotal job within the monarchy, and promises no end of stress and change. Yet if there’s anyone who has been properly prepared for the role, it’s King Charles.
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