Charles makes first Parliament address as Britain's King

King Charles III made his first Parliamentary address. He pledged that he would follow his mother in upholding the principles of constitutional governance.

King Charles III on Monday addressed Parliament for the first time as Britain's monarch during which he spoke about his "darling late mother" and pledged that he would follow her in upholding "the precious principles of constitutional governance”.

Responding to the condolences offered by the House of Commons and Lords at Westminster Hall, the king said he was deeply grateful for the addresses of condolences which so touchingly encompass what the Queen meant to us all.

Paying tribute to his mother, Charles said, "As (William) Shakespeare said of the earlier Queen Elizabeth, she was a pattern to all princes living."

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Charles said he cannot help but "feel the weight of history which surrounds us and reminds us of the vital Parliamentary traditions, to which MPs and peers dedicate themselves."

"Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy," he said.

He said connections to "my darling late mother" are seen all around us, from the Silver Jubilee fountain to sundial in Old Palace Yard marking her Golden Jubilee.