The new King of England, King Charles III, has said his reign will be one of ‘loyalty, respect, and love for all, irrespective of background or beliefs.’
He made this known in his first address to Great Britain and his Commonwealth realms on Friday, which was televised live on all news platforms across the United Kingdom and Europe. The event was monitored by Saturday PUNCH.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away ‘peacefully’ in Balmoral Castle, Scotland on Thursday, after a brief illness. Her passing gave way to her first son and heir, Charles, to ascend the throne as King of England.
As next in line to the throne, William will automatically assume the titles of Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester, as well as Duke of Rothesay (for use when in Scotland).
William’s oldest son, George, will take William’s place as second in line to become the next British monarch.
William’s wife, Kate gets the female equivalent of these titles – Duchess of Cornwall, Countess of Chester, and Duchess of Rothesay.
However, they will still hold on to their earlier titles; Duke and Duchess of Cambridge titles.
This, according to The Guardian UK, means they are now styled the TRH, The Duke, and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge.
In addition, George is now Prince George of Cornwall and Cambridge, Charlotte is Princess Charlotte of Cornwall and Cambridge and Louis is now Prince Louis of Cornwall and Cambridge.
In the new King’s address, he noted that his wife, Camilla, would now be known and addressed as the Queen Consort to the throne of England.
He said, “Whatever your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love as I have throughout my life. My life will, of course, change as I take up my new responsibilities.
“It will no longer be possible for me to give my time and energy to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply, but I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has directed that flags in the country and Nigerian Missions abroad be flown at half-mast.
This, according to the government, was to mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday.
Also, the Federal Government would sign a condolence register on Saturday at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Abuja.
A statement signed by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday said the Nigerian flags should fly at half-mast between September 11 and 12.
It partly read, “ In honour of Queen Elizabeth II, The Sovereign of the United Kingdom, Chairman of the Commonwealth and an eminent global personality; whose passage to eternity was announced yesterday (Thursday), the Ministry of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, declares that all flags in Nigeria and our missions abroad are to be flown at half-mast on Sunday, September 11, 2022, and Monday, September 12, 2022.
“We commiserate with the government and people of the United Kingdom and all the affected people of the Commonwealth and the world.”
A separate statement by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of Nigeria, Willie Bassey, read, “Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Federal Government will sign a condolence register tomorrow Saturday, September 10 at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Abuja.”
“This is also a time of change for my family. On the account of the loving help of my darling wife, Camila, and in recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort.
“I know she would bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much.
“As my heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me, he succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes responsibilities of the Duchess of Cornwall which I had undertaken for more than five decades.
“Today, I am proud to create him as Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, whose titles I have become so privileged to bear, adding so much of my life on duty.
“With Katrine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales, will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centigram where vital help can be given.
“I want to also love to express my love to Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.
“In a little over a week’s time, we will come together as a nation, a commonwealth, and indeed as a global community to lay my beloved mother to rest.
“In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example.
“To my darling Mama, as you begin your journey to join my late Papa, I want to simply say this: Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest,” he said.
Earlier, there were 96 gun salutes across the UK, Jersey, and Gibraltar, with each shot marking her year. The gun salutes were held at Cardiff Castle, Edinburgh Castle, and Hillsborough Castle in County Down.
Also, there were salutes in Gibraltar and Jersey, and at the Tower of London and Hyde Park in the capital.
A special session was also held at the House of Commons, where MPs from all parties are in the chamber to pay tribute to the late Queen.
Mourners also trouped in their numbers to St Paul’s Cathedral in London where the service of prayer and reflection was held in honour of the late Queen.
Charles will be officially proclaimed as King at a meeting of the Accession Council, attended by his son Prince William, on Saturday.
