King Charles III addresses the UK for first time as King

King Charles has addressed the nation as King for the first time since the Queen died.

The 73-year-old has taken over as the country's monarch following the tragic death of Her Majesty, at the age of 96, yesterday (8 September).

The Royal Family announced that Elizabeth II had 'passed away peacefully' at her home in Balmoral, Scotland.

An official statement read: "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

"The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow."

Following the death of the Queen, Charles and Camilla then travelled down to London where he met mourners and well wishers.

Addressing the nation from Buckingham Palace for the first time as King, he said: "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, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example."

"Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing."

"That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."

"My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities."

"It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others."

A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

The new King continued, touching on the personal impact becoming monarch would have on his life, saying: "This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla."

Speaking of his eldest son William, who replaces him as heir to the throne, the new King said he was 'proud to create him Prince of Wales' and said that William would with the help of his wife 'continue to inspire and lead our national conversations'.

Charles also said he wished to "express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas".

The new King ended the speech with one last tribute to his mother, saying: "To my darling mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my great papa, I want simply to say this, 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 the to thy rest."