Edinburgh (Reuters) – Britain’s King Charles called Britain’s parliament “the life instrument and breathing space for our democracy” and vowed to follow the example of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth, in preserving her independence in a speech to both houses on Monday.
Charles arrived at Westminster Hall in London to a buzz of trumpets with his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, at the address – part of a series of procession-filled celebrations after the Queen’s death Thursday at her holiday home in Balmoral, Scotland, after 70 years. years on the throne.
After the speech, the new king set off for Edinburgh to join his brothers in a solemn procession as Queen Elizabeth’s coffin was transported to the city’s historic cathedral.
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They will then take part in a vigil at St Giles’ Cathedral, on the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile, where the coffin will remain at rest before being taken to London on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Liz Truss – still in her first week in office – and parliamentarians from the House of Commons and the House of Lords attended the speech in Westminster Hall.
The Lord Spokesman described the late Queen as a “leader and servant of her people”.
Charles and Camilla sat on ceremonial chairs, with cavalrymen in red jackets and striped helmets standing in the back.
In his speech, Charles said, “When she was very young, Her late Majesty pledged to serve her country and her people and to uphold the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the very heart of our nation. And she has fulfilled this vow with unprecedented fidelity.”
“She gave an example of the selfless duty which, with God’s help and advice, I insist on faithfully following.”
The assembly sang “God Save the King”.
Charles, 73, who automatically became king of the United Kingdom and 14 other kingdoms including Australia, Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea after his mother’s death, is known for expressing his views on matters ranging from the environment to youth issues.
It has been suggested that as king, he might have to adjust his style, in keeping with the tradition that the king forbids him from political matters.
scotland crown
On Sunday, the Queen’s oak coffin, encased in Scotland’s royal standard, was taken on a six-hour journey from Balmoral through the picturesque Scottish countryside, villages, small towns and cities to Edinburgh. Read more
Tens of thousands of well-wishers lined the streets to pay their respects, while huge crowds, some crying, gathered in Edinburgh to receive the procession.
Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla stand in front of the national anthem as they visit Parliament in Westminster, after the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, in London, Britain, September 12, 2022. REUTERS/John Sibley/POOL
“I think when the Queen’s coffin emerged from Balmoral Castle yesterday, I think it was a moment of great significance,” John Sweeney, Scotland’s first deputy minister, told BBC Radio.
“I think people blew out, because what we’ve all been experiencing over the past few days has suddenly become real, and it’s becoming visible.”
When the coffin reaches St Giles’ Cathedral, the Dukes of Hamilton and Brandon, the Scottish Prime Minister, will place the Crown of Scotland on it.
After the service, the coffin will remain there for 24 hours to allow people to pay their respects. Soldiers of the Royal Archers Company – the “bodyguard of Scotland” of the Sovereign will organize a vigil.
Charles, who will visit the Scottish Parliament and meet with Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, is due to hold a vigil later at 7.20 pm (1820 GMT) with members of the royal family.
On Tuesday, the coffin will be flown to London where on Wednesday it will begin its lying-in-the-state period until early September 19 – Elizabeth’s state funeral day – in a catafalque in Westminster Hall.
It will be guarded by soldiers or by Yeoman Warders – better known as beef – from the Tower of London.
expect crowds
Members of the public will be allowed to bypass the coffin, which will be covered in royal standard with the orb and scepter placed on top, 24 hours a day until 6.30 a.m. (0530 GMT) on September 19.
“Those wishing to attend will be asked to queue for several hours, possibly overnight,” the government said in a statement. “Large crowds expected.”
Meanwhile, thousands of people continued to gather in royal palaces across Britain, carrying flowers. In Green Park near Buckingham Palace, where some homage is being taken, long rows of bouquets are spread around the park allowing mourners to read the salute.
“I am really touched by the loss of the Queen,” Amy Gibbs, 43, said outside Buckingham Palace. “I think she was a wonderful lady who did her best and gave us everything.”
Britain last experienced such public mourning in 1997 after Charles’s first wife, Princess Diana, died in a car crash in Paris.
In his first public comment since the Queen’s death, Prince Harry – Diana’s son – paid tribute to his “grandmother” on Monday, saying she would be sorely missed not only by the family, but around the world. Read more
“Grandma, while this last parting brings us great grief, I am forever grateful for all our first meetings—from my first childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as commander in chief, to the first moment you met my beloved wife and embraced your beloved great-grandchildren.”
“We too are smiling knowing that you and your grandfather are now together, and both are together in peace,” Harry said, referring to Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip, who died last year.
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Additional reporting by Michael Holden in London and Andrew McCaskill in Edinburgh; Additional reporting by Kate Holton, Movija M, Will Russell and William James; Editing by Angus McSwan and Janet Lawrence
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