'Emotional, powerful, heartfelt': King Charles III wins praise for first address as monarch a day after Queen's death
King Charles III addressed the nation for the first time today as a monarch after the Queen’s death and pledged his “lifelong service” to the United Kingdom.
After arriving at the Buckingham Palace to a massive crowd, he paid a tribute to the Queen as a mother and a ruler—thanking his “darling Mama”.
Many in the crowd could not hold back tears as he spoke about his mother.
Throughout her life, HM the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family. We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother, for her love, affection, guidance and example.King Charles III, in his first address
Addressing the new line of succession, he revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have become the Prince and Princess of Wales.
The King also added he wished to “express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.
Among much speculation about his reign as King and public scrutiny about the monarchy's violent, colonial history, the public reaction was mostly positive towards his first speech.
Here’s the reaction on Twitter towards his speech:
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong”.
The late Queen, 1947; echoed by her son, King Charles III, today…— Alastair Stewart (@AlStewartOBE) September 9, 2022
Feels very 17th century, sitting here, awaiting an address by King Charles III to the nation. But then, his informal, friendly walkabout in front of Buckingham Palace was a reminder how much times have changed. Balancing act of tradition and modernity.
— alexandra hall hall 🇺🇦🌻 (@alexhallhall) September 9, 2022
Good speech and the right tone from King Charles III, giving the nation a sign of stability again.
— Chris Rose (@ArchRose90) September 9, 2022
Media priorities: ABC, CBS, and NBC are covering King Charles speech live today; none of them carried President Biden’s primetime address on threats to our democracy.
— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) September 9, 2022
King Charles did a great speech, always thought it was lucky his voice was as soothing as The Queen's.
— Toria (@toriaa_h) September 9, 2022
An emotional, powerful and heartfelt speech from King Charles III
A man who lost his mother only yesterday and he still remains in the public gaze, I don’t think I could have done it #GodSaveTheKing— TheMoustacheCop (@CopMoustache) September 9, 2022
Not really my vibe, but Charles’ speech was way more tasteful than anything I’ve heard from politicians and newsreaders in the past 24 hours.
— Michael Walker (@michaeljswalker) September 9, 2022
A perfectly-judged & proudly woke speech from King Charles.
— James Oh Brien (@mrjamesob) September 9, 2022
There are times when it feels like this country is absolutely screwed. But there are also moments when we do dignity and decency and people rise to the occasion. Hard to fault the public contributions of Charles, Truss, Starmer, Johnson, May or even Corbyn in the last 24 hours
— Tim Shipman (@ShippersUnbound) September 9, 2022
What a brilliant address from King Charles, respectful, decent and inclusive, the rabble rousers at #GBNews will be spitting feathers..
— Loz Argyle ⚓ (@ArgyleLoz) September 9, 2022
What a remarkable, heartfelt and touching address by King Charles III. The affection he held for his mother is very apparent. I am sure he will follow in her footsteps very well indeed, as will William and Kate as the new Prince and Princess of Wales. pic.twitter.com/0dJtFUPdcZ
— Captain Dave (@DaveWallsworth) September 9, 2022
