King Charles III speaks out after Queen Elizabeth II’s death: ‘Greatest sadness’
Charles, who automatically became king of the UK and the Commonwealth upon his mother Queen Elizabeth II’s death Thursday, has issued a statement on the monarch’s passing.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” read a statement posted to the royal family’s social media accounts.
We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”
Elizabeth, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, died on Thursday. She was 96.
In Buckingham Palace’s official statement announcing her death, her eldest son was named the new King of England.
Per the Queen’s wishes, Charles’ wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, will become Queen Consort. The Duchess of Cornwall said in February that she was “very honored and very touched” to take on the title.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the royal family announced Thursday. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Prior to the news of Her Majesty’s death, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday morning, “Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.”
The queen’s family, including her four children, Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Duke of York, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, grandchildren Prince William and Prince Harry, and several other members of the royal family, all traveled to Balmoral Castle in Scotland amid the news of her declining health.
