King Charles III has spoken of his deep grief over the passing of his ‘dear mum’ Queen Elizabeth II.

The new monarch paid tribute to the queen with his first public speech as king after her death at the age of 96.

“Her Majesty – my beloved mother – has been an inspiration and example to me and all of my family throughout her life, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt of any family to her mother; for her love, affection and Guidance, understanding and example.”

King Charles said he spoke with “deep sadness”.

“Queen Elizabeth lived a wonderful life; committed to her destiny, she was deeply saddened in her passing.”

At the age of 73, the Queen’s eldest son and heir to the throne automatically became king, and his mother died peacefully yesterday at Balmoral Castle.

He had earlier left Balmoral for London and performed his first official duties as king.

When he arrived at Buckingham Palace, he thanked mourners for their blessings and told a woman: “You are so kind.”

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.

In his speech, he said the grief was mixed with “deep gratitude to the Queen for more than 70 years of service”.

“In 1947, on her 21st birthday, in a broadcast to the Commonwealth from Cape Town, she pledged to dedicate herself to serving her people, long or short.

“It wasn’t just a commitment: it was a deeply personal commitment that defined her life. She sacrificed for duty.

“I reiterate to you today my commitment to lifelong service.”

Queen Elizabeth has been on the throne for 70 years at the age of 96.

“Her dedication and dedication as a monarch never gave up, through times of change and progress, times of joy and celebration, and times of sorrow and loss,” King Charles said.

“Through her career of service, we have seen an enduring love of tradition and a fearless embrace of progress that has made us a great nation. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became hallmarks of her rule.

“And, as every member of my family can attest, she combines those qualities with warmth, humor and an accurate ability to always see the best in people.”

Her family, including King Charles, rushed to her side in Scotland after Her Majesty’s doctors said on Thursday night (NZ time) they were concerned for her health and advised her to remain under medical supervision.

As news of the Queen’s death spread around the world, mourning began, with thousands gathering outside Buckingham Palace in London – many holding flowers and candles.

King Charles said her death has brought “tremendous sadness to many of you, and I share this immeasurable sense of loss”.

“When the Queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still dealing with the poverty and aftermath of World War II, still living according to earlier routines.

“Over the past 70 years, we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many beliefs.”

“The institutions of the nation have changed with it. But through all the changes and challenges, our nation and the wider kingdom family – I am immensely proud of their talents, traditions and achievements – have prospered. Our values ​​have always remained the same and must remain the same.

“The roles and duties of the monarchy also remain, as does the monarch’s special relationship and responsibility to the Church of England – a Church where my own faith is so deeply rooted.

“In line with this belief and the values ​​it inspires, I have grown up with a sense of responsibility to others, with the utmost respect for the precious traditions, liberties and responsibilities of our unique history and system of parliamentary government.”

Mourners still gathered at the Royal Palace, and Thanksgiving was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

King Charles said he would follow his mother’s “unwavering dedication”.

“Whether you live in the UK, or territories and territories around the world, whatever your background or beliefs, I will endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have all my life.

“Of course my life will change when I take on new responsibilities.

“I could never again devote so much time and energy to charities and issues I care so deeply about. But I know this important work will continue in the trusted hands of others.

“This has also been a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my dear wife Camilla.

“In recognition of her own devoted public service, she has become my queen since we were married 17 years ago.

“I know she will bring to her new role the unwavering dedication to duty that I have so relied on.

“As my heir, William now takes on the Scottish title that means so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the Duchy of Cornwall that I have held for over 5 years.

“Today, I am proud to have made him Tywysog Cymru, Prince of Wales, for most of my life and duty, I have been privileged to hold this national title.

“I know that by Catherine’s side, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will continue to inspire and lead our national conversation, helping to bring marginalised groups to the heart of where vital help can be provided.

“I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.

“In over a week we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and as a global community to rest my beloved mother in peace.

“In our grief, let us remember and draw strength from her example.
“On behalf of my entire family, I would like to express my most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support.

“They mean more to me than I can express. To my dear mom, as you embark on this last great journey of reunion with your dear late dad, I just want to say: Thank you.

“Thank you for your love and dedication to our family and to the national family you have worked so hard to serve over the years.

“May the ‘flight of the angels sing you in peace’.”