King Charles III announced in his first public speech since Queen Elizabeth II’s death that his heir Prince William is now the Prince of Wales and Kate Middleton has been named Princess of Wales, a title previously held by the late Princess Diana .
“Today I am proud to have created him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so immensely privileged to bear for such a large part of my life and duty,” Charles said on Friday.
“With Catherine at his side, I know our new Prince and Princess of Wales will continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginalized to the center where essential help can be given.”
Elsewhere in the speech, Charles made specific mention of his youngest son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan Markle, and said he expressed “his love” for both of them as they continued to build their lives in California.
“I speak to you today with feelings of deep sadness,” the newly appointed monarch, 73, said in a pre-recorded message, calling his late mother “an inspiration and example” for himself and his family members.
“We owe her the most sincere debt a family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” Charles continued. “Queen Elizabeth’s life was a life well lived, a promise fate has kept and she is most mourned at her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to everyone today.”
The king, who received his new title immediately after Elizabeth died at Balmoral Castle, praised his mother’s “deep personal devotion that defined her whole life”, adding that “she made sacrifices of duty”.
“Her dedication and dedication never wavered through times of change, through progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sorrow and loss,” he said.
Charles will embark on a tour of the UK in the days leading up to the late monarch’s funeral, which is part of the country’s ten-step plan “Operation London Bridge”. Though he won’t be officially named king until Saturday morning, royal author Tina Brown told Vidak For Congress she believes he will be a solid leader.
“I actually think it comes into its own,” Tina Brown, author of “The Palace Papers,” told us. “I think he will make a good king.”