death of the queen
*Charles delivers first address as king – emotional tribute to ‘dear mum’
* Confirmed new titles – Camilla will be Queen, William and Kate will be Prince and Princess of Wales
* Showing love for Harry and Meghan to separated couple with olive branch
* Watch the full talk here

An emotional King Charles made his first televised address to the Commonwealth as monarch, paying tribute to his “dear mum” Queen Elizabeth II and extending an olive branch to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

A choked Charles also paid tribute to his dear wife Camilla – now the Queen – as well as William and Catherine, now the Prince and Princess of Wales. He also expressed his love for Harry and Meghan as “they continue to build their lives overseas”.

After the blog live, the story continues:

The story continues:

The new king has vowed to continue Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong dedication.

The broadcast was recorded in the blue drawing room of Buckingham Palace, as the king and queen greeted a large number of mourners outside the gates. It airs in the UK on Friday at 6pm (Saturday 5am NZ time).

Earlier, upon arriving at Buckingham Palace, the new king thanked mourners for their blessings and told a woman: “How nice of you.”

King Charles III and his wife the Queen met their new subjects for the first time after flying back from Balmoral.

The impromptu meet-and-greet led to the King spending more than 10 minutes lining up along the people who had gathered to welcome him back to London.

Both the king and queen heard cries of “we are so sorry for your loss”.

A mourner from Rutland, Victoria Binkey, 51, grabbed the king’s hand and kissed them, to which His Majesty responded: “You are so kind.”

Binky later explained that she suddenly felt the need to hug the king, which she hadn’t intended to do.

early

Queen Elizabeth II isn’t just Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.

She is the sovereign of 14 other nations and a rare figure on the world stage who is almost universally admired. Her influence spanned hemispheres, generations, social divisions and politics.

After her death at the age of 96, the world has now entered a new era.

Queen Elizabeth II died peacefully yesterday at Balmoral Castle after 70 years on the throne, Buckingham Palace said in a statement at 5.30am (NZ time).

Her family, including now King Charles III, rushed to Scotland to be with her after Her Majesty’s doctors said on Thursday night (NZT) they were concerned for her health and advised her to remain under medical supervision.

Thousands of people gathered outside Buckingham Palace after news of her death spread around the world as mourning began for the only monarch many knew.

According to the British “Guardian” report, the crowd outside the royal residence in London was unusually quiet and the atmosphere was gloomy, except for sporadic “God Save the Queen” and occasional bursts of applause.

As night fell, hundreds of bouquets of flowers and rows of flickering candles sat outside the gates.

Tributes came quickly; world leaders, dignitaries and other monarchs acknowledged the Queen’s lifelong dedication to service and offered condolences to the royal family.

The Queen’s eldest son and heir to the throne, Charles, 73, automatically became king immediately after his mother’s death.

King Charles, who will become New Zealand’s head of state, said in a statement that the death of his beloved mother was a “deeply sad” time for him and his family.

“We deeply mourn the passing of a cherished monarch and a much-loved mother.

“During this time of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and supported by our extensive respect and affectionate understanding of the Queen.”

Locally, the tributes from some leaders shared similarities – acknowledging that the Queen has been in New Zealand.

Governor-General Mrs Cindy Kelow said the Queen “provides us with a sense of continuity and stability”.

“For most New Zealanders, Queen Elizabeth is really a regular in our lives.

“She worked until she died at 96; so from the time she became a very young monarch to her death, she was in service to the people, which I think reflects her very strong commitment and belief in the idea of ​​service.”

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said it was a “deeply sad” time that marked the end of a chapter.

“The last days of the Queen’s life were in so many ways who she was, working to the end for those she loved.

“The Queen has been consistent in our lives for 70 years…under her rule, she began to define the concepts of service, charity and consistency.”

Ardern said the Queen’s commitment to her role was “unwavering” and that she was fondly remembered for her laughter.

“She is extraordinary.”

New Zealand will hold an official national mourning period until the end of the Queen’s memorial service, which will be held in Wellington following her funeral in London.

Ardern and Kiro are expected to attend the Queen’s funeral in the UK, which is likely to take place in about 10 days, and is also expected to be attended by the royal family and heads of state from around the world.

Books of mourning have been placed in public spaces including the Beehive Foyer, the National Library and Wellington Cathedral.

The 96-gun salute in Wellington marked each year in the Queen’s life, while flags were flown at half-staff outside the courts at the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Harbour Bridge and the country’s top lawyers adapted to the new titles.

A statement from Chief Justice Helen Winkelman on Friday morning confirmed that King Charles’ immediate accession to the throne means the title of Queen’s Counsel (QC) has been changed to King’s Counsel (KC).

The rest of the country, including parts of Whanganui and Waikato, also lowered flags and placed memorial books publicly.

Maori King Tūheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII said he was devastated when he received news of the Queen’s passing and paid tribute and tribute to the royal family as they gathered in Balmoral.

He said the Queen and the late Prince Philip had visited Turangawaewae Marae several times and maintained a close relationship with his mother, the late Queen Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.

Britain’s new Prime Minister Liz Truss has paid tribute to the Queen, saying she is the cornerstone on which modern Britain is built.

“Our country grew and grew under her rule. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”

Truss said the Queen supported the development of the Commonwealth from a group of seven nations to a family of 56 nations spanning all continents.

“Queen Elizabeth II has given us the strength and stability we need. She is the spirit of Britain.”

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama also paid tribute to the Queen, saying the hearts of Fijians were heavy.

The Queen made several trips around the Pacific during her reign, visiting Fiji and Tonga a few months after her coronation in December 1953.

“We will forever cherish the joy of her visit to Fiji and every moment of her grace, courage and wisdom comforting and inspiring our people even far away from the world.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Queen’s death marks end of a period of history
Historic reigns and long-term commitment to duty, family, faith and service.

“It’s a loss that we all feel because few know a world without Queen Elizabeth II.

“During her seven remarkable decades in office, Her Majesty has been a rare and reassuring constant in rapid change.”

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said in a joint statement that the Queen “defined an era” and was an ever-changing stable presence, while former President Barack Obama and his wife Mi Scheer said her rule was “defined by grace, grace and a tireless work ethic”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said her wisdom, compassion and warmth will always be remembered.

“For most Canadians, we don’t know there are other monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II has always been in our lives. Her Majesty has marked Canada’s modern history time and time again.

“Over the course of 70 years and 23 royal tours, Queen Elizabeth II has seen the country from coast to coast and has been there to witness our important historical milestones.”

His Holiness the Dalai Lama said he had written to King Charles to express his deep grief and to express his heartfelt condolences to His Majesty the King, the Royal Family and the British people.

“Her reign, as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, represents a celebration, inspiration and a reassuring sense of continuity for so many alive today.”