Queen Elizabeth II dies: King Charles III addresses Parliament

LONDON — In an address to Parliament, Britain’s King Charles III promised to continue Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy by upholding “the precious principles of constitutional governance.”

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According to The Associated Press and The Guardian, the new monarch’s remarks came Monday at Westminster Hall after lawmakers offered their condolences for the late queen, who died Thursday at her Balmoral estate in Scotland. She was 96.

“As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital parliamentary traditions to which members of both houses dedicate yourselves with such personal commitment to the betterment of us all,” said Charles, 73, who described Parliament as “the living and breathing instrument of our democracy.”

Charles – who spoke as wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, looked on – went on to praise his mother’s service, the news outlets reported.

“While very young, her late Majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people,” he said, according to CNN.

“This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion. She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsel, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”

Following the address, the royal couple boarded a plane to Edinburgh, Scotland, according to The Guardian. There, Charles will lead a procession to St. Giles’ Cathedral, the AP reported.

– The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Photos: King Charles III addresses Parliament, vows to follow Queen Elizabeth II's example King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort take part in an address in Westminster Hall on September 12, 2022, in London. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

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Photos: Queen Elizabeth II's coffin leaves Balmoral, arrives in Edinburgh Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Britain's Prince Andrew, Duke of York, Britain's Princess Anne, Princess Royal, Britain's Sophie, Countess of Wessex, and Britain's Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, watch as the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, draped with the Royal Standard of Scotland, completes its journey from Balmoral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse on September 11, 2022, in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. (Aaron Chown/WPA Pool/Getty Images)

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William, Kate, Harry, Meghan meet Windsor mourners WINDSOR, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex on the long Walk at Windsor Castle on September 10, 2022 in Windsor, England. Crowds have gathered and tributes left at the gates of Windsor Castle to Queen Elizabeth II, who died at Balmoral Castle on 8 September, 2022. (Photo by Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images) (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)