King Charles III has addressed the nation for the very first time as its monarch.
On Thursday, immediately following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son ascended to the throne and was officially recognized as King Charles III.
Now, on Friday evening, the 73-year-old has addressed the nation for the first time as king in a pre-recorded message.
Speaking from Buckingham Palace, the new king started by saying: "I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow.
"Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family.
"We owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother, for her love, affection, guidance, and example."
"Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the Queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my mother as Queen served the people of so many nations," the King added.
"In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life - whether it be short or long - to the service of her people.
"That was more than a promise. It was a profound personal commitment, which defined her whole life."
"I pay tribute to my mother's memory," King Charles III said. "And I honor her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you. And I share that sense of loss beyond measure with you all."
During the speech, King Charles III also bestowed the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales upon son William and daughter-in-law Kate.
"I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan, and they continue to build their life overseas" he added.
The King ended by saying: "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 address was aired as part of a special Thanksgiving of Service for Queen Elizabeth II at St. Paul's Cathedral. The event is attended by senior politicians and 2,000 members of the public.
Per the Financial Times, the message was recorded in the grand Blue Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace.
King Charles III - along with his wife and the new Queen Consort, Camilla - flew from Scotland to London earlier today, arriving at Buckingham Palace this afternoon. The new king and queen were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers, with cries of "long live the king" breaking out.
Prior to entering Buckingham Palace, King Charles and Queen Camilla took a moment to take in the sheer number of flowers that had been left at the gates in memory of Queen Elizabeth II.
As well as recording his address, King Charles III also held a private audience with the new UK prime minister, Liz Truss - who just three days ago was invited to start a new government by the late queen at Balmoral.
Shortly following the announcement of his mother's passing, King Charles III released a statement to the nation that read: 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.
"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."
Speaking to BBC News back in 2018, King Charles III spoke about the challenges he would face being king - such as being unable to have his own passport, driving license, or a strong political opinion in public.
However, it has been a role he has been preparing for his entire life, as he told the BBC: "I'm not that stupid. I do realize it's a separate exercise being sovereign."
