King Charles III’s first speech addressing the UK as sovereign, was one of great pain, pride and presence.
One week ago today, King Charles III paid tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II, who on her 21st Birthday in 1947, dedicated her life to the service of the Commonwealth.
“I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”
King Charles III’s first speech acknowledged what most of the United Kingdom, indeed world, is feeling today:
“That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life.”
In his deep pain and grief our new King extended his mother’s promise:
“As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.”
The pain in King Charles III’s first speech
This was a speech of three parts.
The first was a deep expression of pain.
Before our new Monarch uttered a word, his feelings of “profound sorrow,” which he quickly shared, were highly visible.
This was a man grieving the loss of his beloved mother, reaching out to the world within 24 hours of his heavy loss.
“Grief is the price we pay for love.” – Queen Elizabeth II
In the depth of his anguish, King Charles III’s First Speech was the epitome of grace, tenderness and eloquence.
I remember my own mothers passing. I could barely breathe properly for the first 72 hours, let alone speak.
Our new King’s heartfelt courage at a time of great personal loss is evident in his first speech.
The pride in King Charles III’s first speech
“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” Abraham Lincoln
As well as deep pain, we felt joyous pride in King Charles III’s First Speech.
His first ten words shared his sorrow, his subsequent 45 shared his pride and love:
“Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.”
A speech filled with pride
“Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss”.
‘I am so inexpressibly proud’
“The institutions of the State have changed in turn. But, through all changes and challenges, our nation and the wider family of Realms – of whose talents, traditions and achievements I am so inexpressibly proud – have prospered and flourished. Our values have remained, and must remain, constant.
Love and pride can coexist
“And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you.
“Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years.
“May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’.”
The presence in King Charles III’s first speech
I have chosen to single out three significant elements of King Charles III’s First Speech.
There are many, many more.
This is speech of:
Pain
Pride
Presence
Love
Hope
Tribute
Future
I’m certain that anyone who has listened to the speech can add other qualities.
In just over 9 minutes, all of these elements were delivered with great presence.
In the depth of his grief, our new King was present
The presence in King Charles III’s First Speech was clear through his, tenderness, warmth and humility.
He spoke emotionally at a beautiful pace, with every word shared gracefully.
From all of us here at Mindful Presenter we are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family as we mourn the loss of our longest-serving British monarch.
Image courtesy of Canva.com
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