The King quoted Shakespeare to the Houses of Parliament today as he responded to their messages of condolence in a moving and historic ceremony in Westminster.
Charles III addressed the Commons and the Lords, assembled in Westminster Hall, with the words of the Bard as he paid tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Having listened to their loyal addresses, The King told them ”as Shakespeare says of the earlier Queen Elizabeth, she was “a pattern to all Princes living”.
He had more warm words for his mother, adding ”We gather today in remembrance of the remarkable span of The Queen’s dedicated service to her nations and peoples. While very young, Her late Majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation. This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion.”
And he made his own promise to them, saying ”She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”
King Charles III appeared visibly moved as the Lords and Commons then rose to sing the National Anthem. As the words ”God Save the King” rang out, he seemed to struggle to hold back tears, briefly biting his lip and looking upwards.
The King and Queen then left Westminster to head to Edinburgh where Charles III will, this afternoon, lead the procession following the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II towards St. Giles’ Cathedral for a Service of Thanksgiving.
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