The King spoke movingly of his mother and the grief his family is experiencing, but said the “sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers” was the “greatest comfort”. Watched by the Queen, the new Prince of Wales and more than 200 privy advisers – including six former prime ministers – the King pledged to take on the task now before him and the “heavy responsibilities of sovereignty”. Charles began by fulfilling the “sorrowful duty” of announcing the death of his “beloved mother” and told the council: “I know how deeply you, the whole nation – and I think I may say the whole world – sympathize with me in the irreparable loss which we have all suffered. “It is of the greatest comfort to me to know the sympathy so many have expressed to my sister and brothers, and that this overwhelming affection and support must be extended to our whole family in our loss.” Charles spoke of the late Queen’s ‘selfless service’, adding: ‘My mother’s reign was unparalleled in its length, its dedication and its devotion. Even when we mourn, we give thanks for this most faithful life.”
