I vow to thee, my country

King will follow mother’s ‘inspiring example’

- Tony Whitfield

KING Charles III vowed he would “strive to follow the inspiring example” set by his beloved mother as he was officially proclaimed monarch yesterday.

He said that “my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service” and was “irreplaceable”.

As he took up his new responsibilities he vowed he would be “upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called upon to be”.

And, in a historic first, TV audiences around the world were given a glimpse of the moment the reign of Charles III formally began at St James’s Palace.

In his declaration, bringing to an end the second Elizabethan era, King Charles paid tribute to the late Queen.

He also announced the Queen’s death, and said the entire nation and whole world “sympathises with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered”.

The King said the outpouring of sympathy had given him “the greatest consolation”.

He added: “To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.

“My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion.

“Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.

“I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.