King’s speechCharles thanks ‘Darling Mama’ and vows life of service

King Charles III, newly acceded to the British throne, expressed “profound sorrow” on Friday over the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in his inaugural address as monarch.

“We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to her mother for her love affection, guidance, understanding and example,” he said of his mother in a pre-recorded speech.

The televised remarks were the centerpiece of a solemn day of remembrance for the queen. But they also emphasized the continuity of governance in Britain’s constitutional monarchy, after the new king held an audience with the prime minister, Liz Truss, who took office earlier this week.

In his speech, Charles echoed many of his mother’s sentiments, speaking of her legacy and of his commitment to continue it. “Our values have remained and must remain constant,” he said.

He also bestowed the title of Prince of Wales on his son and heir, William; and William’s wife, Catherine, becomes Princess of Wales. The king wished his son Harry and Harry’s wife, Meghan, the best “as they continue to build their lives overseas.”

Before the king arrived in the capital, the sound of gun salutes reverberated through the city from Hyde Park and other sites — 96 rounds, one for each year of the queen’s life. Bells tolled at midday at Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and Windsor Castle, outside London, where the queen spent much of the end of her life.

Charles was accompanied by Camilla, now the queen consort, a title her mother-in-law fervently wished her to have. Marking her 70 years on the throne in February, the queen anticipated this moment of transition, appealing in a personal statement for Britons to open their hearts to Charles and Camilla.

“When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me,” the queen wrote. “It is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

That settled a delicate question about how the former Camilla Parker-Bowles would be known when Charles acceded to the throne. The two were romantically involved when Charles was married to Diana, Princess of Wales. He and Diana later divorced, and he married Camilla. Charles had long pushed for Camilla to be recognized as queen consort once he was king.

In a week of dizzying change in Britain, Charles is the second senior British figure to deliver a maiden address. Ms. Truss spoke on Tuesday in front of Downing Street, on the day the queen anointed her as prime minister. Two days later, she walked out to the same lectern to swear fealty to the new king.

The king’s speech is the first of a choreographed sequence of events marking the transition from Elizabeth to Charles. On Saturday, Charles will be formally proclaimed after a meeting of the Accession Council, a conclave of senior officials who meet, by custom, at St. James’s Palace in the wake of a monarch’s death.

While much of his speech on Friday focused on Queen Elizabeth’s formal role, Charles ended his remarks with a more personal message that he directed “to my darling mama.”

“I want simply to say this: Thank you,” he said. “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.”