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King Charles III
King Charles III
King Charles III
The King said Parliament was the "living and breathing instrument of our democracy" as
he spoke in front of 900 MPs and peers at Westminster Hall.
It followed condolences from speakers of the House of Commons and Lords.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, House of Commons speaker, said "as deep as our grief is, we know
yours is deeper".
Addressing the King on behalf of MPs, Sir Lindsay added: "We know you hold the
greatest respect, the precious traditions, the freedoms, and responsibilities of our unique history
and our system of parliamentary government.
"We know that you will bear those responsibilities which fall to you with the fortitude,
dignity, demonstrated by Her late Majesty."
The King, in his response, said: "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.
"She set an example of selfless duty which, with God's help and your counsels, I am
resolved faithfully to follow."
State trumpeters played a fanfare as King Charles made his way through Westminster
Hall at 10:25 BST while the Royal Standard was raised in place of the half-mast.
Built in 1097, Westminster Hall has played a significant role in British history across the
centuries.
"I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of
the vital parliamentary traditions to which members of both houses dedicate yourselves, with
such personal commitment for the betterment of us all," the King said in his address.
"Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy. That your traditions
are ancient we see in the construction of this great hall and the reminders of medieval
predecessors of the office to which I have been called."
At the ceremony - which took place in the same hall where the Queen's coffin will lie in
state later this week - the monarch, accompanied by Camilla, Queen Consort, were offered
condolences on behalf of both Houses of Parliament.
Lord McFall paid tribute to the late Queen and said she "captured the imagination of
peoples across the globe".
"We remember her commitment, her kindness, her humour, her courage and her fortitude
as well as the deep faith which was the anchor in her life," he added.
"We are proud and humbled to welcome you as King."
Also among the attendees in the hall was UgbanaOyet, the first black sergeant at arms in
the role's history.
Monday's visit to Westminster also saw members of both houses pledging loyalty to the
new monarch.