To serve the British "with loyalty, respect and love".

After being applauded in front of Buckingham Palace by thousands of people on his return to London, Charles III promised, on Friday September 9, during his first speech as sovereign, to be at the service of the British all his life, like his mother Elizabeth II had done it on her 21st birthday.

"Wherever you live in the UK, or in the kingdoms and territories around the world, and whatever your origins or beliefs, I will strive to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have done throughout my life," he said.

>> To read also: "Charles III, a king who ascends the throne late"

"Our values ​​have remained and must remain constant"

In a sober and confident tone for his first televised address as sovereign, Charles III, dressed in a black suit, also pledged to uphold the principles of the monarchy and the Anglican Church throughout his reign. .

"Our values ​​have remained and must remain constant," he said.

"The role and duties of the monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign's special relationship and responsibility to the Church of England - the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted."

"As the Queen herself has done with unwavering devotion, I too solemnly pledge myself, during the time that God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation."

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© France 24

William, new Prince of Wales

The King has also announced that William will be the new Prince of Wales, the title of Charles before his accession to the throne.

From this first speech, the sovereign also expressed his "love" for his son Harry and his wife Meghan, whose break with the monarchy to settle in California has shaken the royal family.

Charles III also underlined the "loyal public service" of his wife Camilla, now queen consort, and her "unwavering dedication on which I rely so much".

The monarch concluded his speech with surprisingly loving words, letting his feelings for his mother shine through.

"And to my darling Mum, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Dad, I just want to say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and dedication to our family and the family of nations you have served. so diligently all these years. May the angels watch over your rest."

Returning from Scotland early Friday afternoon, Charles III, accompanied by Camilla, greeted the crowd at Buckingham for a long time.

Smiling, he had shaken hands with dozens of people when he got out of the car, thousands of people having flocked since the announcement of the Queen's disappearance to lay bouquets of flowers and words of tribute.

"All our condolences", "God bless you", "I wish you the best", threw the crowd to him.

A woman even dared to kiss him on the cheek.

Another gave her a red rose.

Then the king walked into the palace, where he had his first audience with the head of government, Liz Truss.

With AFP

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