King Charles’ vow in landmark speech ​

King Charles III has made his first speech to parliament since ascending to the throne following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, hailing the “vital” traditions of British lawmakers.The country’s new monarch gave his inaugural parliamentary address in front of members of the elected lower House of Commons and the upper chamber House of Lords packed into Westminster Hall.King Charles said the occasion “reminds us of vital Parliamentary traditions, to which MPs and peers dedicate themselves”.“Parliament is the living and breathing instrument of our democracy,” he said.

The King applauded the respect paid to “my darling late mother” everywhere from the Silver Jubilee fountain to the sundial marking her Golden Jubilee.

“While very young, Her late Majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation. This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion,” he continued.

“She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”

Prince Harry also delivered an emotional personal statement about his favourite memories with his late grandmother, reflecting on her “infectious smile” and “sound advice”.
 

In his message, released on Monday UK time, the Duke of Sussex wrote that their “final parting brings us great sadness” before highlighting the moments with his “Granny” that he will “cherish” forever.

“From my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren,” Harry wrote.

“I cherish these times shared with you, and many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.

“Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile. We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
 

Elsewhere in his statement, Harry also praised the Queen for her dedication to her role over the years and global impact.

“We are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty,” he said.

“She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy.

“Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: ‘Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings’.”

It comes after Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, surprised mourners outside Windsor Castle on Saturday with their unexpected appearance alongside his estranged brother, Prince William, and Kate Middleton.
 

The unexpected show of unity by the quartet followed King Charles’ mention of his “love” for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during his maiden speech on Friday.

The Sussex’s joined the newly minted Prince and Princess of Wales as they walked down the driveway from Windsor Castle, west of London.

Harry and Meghan held hands as crowds initially cheered.

It was later reporter that the reunion was the result of an eleventh-hour olive branch sent from William to Harry, which led to a tense 45-minute delay as the two parties conducted discussions over details of the walkabout.

Before the display of unity, brothers had barely spoken for Two-and-a-half years after the Sussexes left for the US.

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, have left Westminster Hall. Charles and Camilla will fly to Edinburgh, where the King will walk behind the Queen‘s coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.