“I speak to you today with feelings of deep sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – has been an inspiration and example to me and all my family, and we owe her the sincerest debt that can be owed any family to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. “Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise that destiny kept and is deeply mourned at her death. This promise of lifetime service I renew to you all today. “As well as the personal grief felt by all my family, we also share with so many of you in the UK, in all the countries where the Queen has been Head of State, in the Commonwealth and around the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the most of 70 years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations. “In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether short or long, to the service of her people. “This was more than a promise: it was a deeply personal commitment that defined her entire life. He made sacrifices for duty. “Her devotion and devotion as Sovereign has never wavered, in times of change and progress, in times of joy and celebration, and in times of sorrow and loss. “In her life of service we saw that enduring love of tradition, along with that fearless embrace of progress, that make us great as a Nation. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. “And, as every member of my family can testify, he combined these qualities with warmth, humor and an unerring ability to always see the best in people. “I pay tribute to the memory of my Mother and honor her life of service. I know her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share this sense of loss, beyond measure, with all of you. “When the Queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still dealing with the deprivation and aftermath of the Second World War and were still living by the conventions of previous eras. “In the last 70 years we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many religions. “The institutions of the state have changed in their turn. But through all the changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of Royals – of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so unspeakably proud – have prospered and flourish. Our values have remained and must remain constant. “The role and duties of the Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign’s special relationship and responsibility to the Church of England – the Church in which my faith is so deeply rooted. “In this faith and the values it inspires, I was raised to cherish a sense of duty to others and to hold with the utmost respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and system of parliamentary government. “As the Queen herself has done with such unswerving devotion, I now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. “And wherever you live in the UK, or in the kingdoms and territories around the world, and whatever your background or beliefs, I will try to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life. “My life will of course change as I take on my new responsibilities. “It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energy to charities and issues that I care so deeply about. But I know that this important work will continue in the trusted hands of others. “This is also a time of change for my family. I rely on the loving help of my beloved wife, Camilla. “In recognition of her own faithful public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my queen consort. “I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast dedication to duty on which I rely so much. “As my successor, William now takes on the Scottish titles that mean so much to me. “He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes over the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall that I have held for more than five decades. “Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so privileged to bear for so much of my life and duty. “With Catherine by his side, our new Prince and Princess of Wales, I know, will continue to inspire and guide our national conversations, helping to bring the marginalized to the center where vital help can be given. “I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives abroad. “In just over a week we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. “In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. “On behalf of my entire family, I can only express my sincerest and most sincere thanks for your condolences and support. “They mean more to me than I can ever express. “And to my beloved mom, as you embark on your last long journey to join my late dad, I just want to say this: thank you. “Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and the family of nations that you have served so diligently over the years. “May the flights of Angels sing to you in your rest.”
