In his first speech, the new King Charles III. the closest family members in words. After solidifying Camilla’s role as the king’s consort and proudly using his son William as the “Prince of Wales”, he finally comes to Harry and Meghan.
The new King Charles III. In his first speech to his subjects, he explained the functions that the closest members of his family would perform under his reign. “This is also a time of change for my family,” he begins.
First, the king addresses the role of his wife Camilla, emphasizing their 17-year marriage. The King then declares that he is proud to make his son William the “Prince of Wales”. He points to the many years he held the title himself. Charles was the “Prince of Wales” from 1958 until the death of his mother. The King also emphasizes the role of William’s wife Catherine (“Kate”) at his side and expresses his belief that the two will play an important role in the national dialogue.
Last but not least, Charles also talks about his son Harry, who retired from royal duties a few years ago, and his wife Meghan. Although Charles devotes only one sentence to the two, the central word in this sentence is “love”.
“I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build lives overseas,” the 73-year-old said in the recorded speech at Buckingham Palace. He is pointing out that they are family, he loves them, but they will continue to live in North America of their own choosing. As in the rest of the speech, the king’s voice sounds mild and loving.
This becomes particularly clear with the references to his mother. King Charles III begins his first address to his subjects. namely with reference to his mother and ends them as well. Right at the beginning of the speech, he emphasizes that Elizabeth II was an unprecedented inspiration for him and his family “throughout her life.” He expresses his deep gratitude for their service to the Commonwealth nations.
At the end he turns to his deceased mother with very personal, touching words: “My dear mom, as you begin your last great journey to my dear deceased dad, I just want to say one thing: thank you, thank you for your love and devotion to ours family and to all the nations you have served so diligently over the years.”
(This article was first published on Friday, September 09, 2022.)
