King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla sat on their thrones for the first time on Monday at Westminster Hall in London.
The new monarch, 73, addressed 900 MPs and the House of the Lords after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, died on September 8 at the age of 96.
The representatives expressed their condolences to Charles, who expressed his “deeply grateful” for their support.
“As I stand before you today, I can’t help but feel the weight of history that surrounds us and reminds us of vital parliamentary traditions,” the king began his speech.
Charles then referred to several “tangible connections” between Parliament and his “cute late mother” — including commemorations for the Queen’s silver, gold, diamond and platinum anniversaries (the platinum monument has yet to be unveiled).
“When she was very young, Her Majesty promised herself to serve her country and her people and uphold the precious principles of constitutional government that lie at the heart of our nation,” he continued.
“She kept this vow with unsurpassed devotion. She set an example of selfless duty, which, with God’s help and your counsel, I am determined to follow faithfully.”
Charles then took his seat on the throne next to his wife, who had been sitting alone during his speech. The two sat less than a minute before everyone got up to sing the national anthem.
The new sovereign seemed emotional as he heard the crowd sing the adapted lyrics to “God Save the King.” His eyes looked shinier than usual, and at the end of the song he looked down for a moment before smiling quickly.
Charles was officially proclaimed monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on Saturday.
“My mother’s reign was unparalleled in duration, dedication and devotion,” he said in a speech to the Crown Council at the time. “Even as we mourn, we give thanks for this very faithful life. I am well aware of this great legacy and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty that have now passed to me.”
The Queen died just hours after the royal family announced she had been placed under “medical supervision” at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland last Thursday.
She reigned for a historic 70 years.