Thousands greeted Charles III, 73, outside Buckingham Palace after his return to London on Friday. He will be officially crowned king on Saturday, taking over from his mother, Elizabeth II, whose death plunged the United Kingdom into mourning.

King Charles delivers his first speech as monarch in the Blue Room, with the message televised from 8pm.

The main messages of King Charles III:

I turn to you today with a deep sense of sadness

Queen Elizabeth lived a good life, she promised something and kept her promise. The whole nation mourns her

This promise of lifelong service I renew to you today.

She made sacrifices for her duty. In her life in public service, I saw a love of tradition as well as a commitment to progress.

As every relative can confirm, he combined these qualities with a special human warmth

I know her death is causing a lot of pain to many people and I share that pain

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Charles III, 73, who had just returned from Scotland, where the Queen died on Thursday, arrived in London in a black suit, accompanied by his wife – now Queen Consort – Camilla.

He shook hands with the crowd as he got out of his car, greeting thousands of people who flocked to the city after the Queen’s death was announced to lay flowers and pay their respects.