I speak to you today with deep sadness. Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, has inspired me and my family, and we feel that all family members are indebted to their mother: for love, devotion, her guidance, understanding and example.

Queen Elizabeth’s life was a good one, her promise to fate was kept, and her loss was deeply mourned. This promise of lifelong debt I renew to you today. […] In 1947, on her twenty-first birthday, in Cape Town, she addressed the Commonwealth and promised to devote her life, short or long, to the service of her people. It was more than a promise, it was a deeply personal commitment that defined her entire life. […] In her life of duty, we have witnessed her unwavering love of tradition, along with the fearless commitment to progress that makes us great as a nation.

The affection, admiration and respect she commanded became the hallmark of her reign. And, as any member of my family can attest, he combined these qualities with warmth, humor, and an unerring ability to always see the best in people. I pay tribute to my mother and honor lifelong charity. I know that her death brings great sadness to many of you, and I share this indescribable sense of loss with all of you. When the Queen ascended the throne, Britain and the world were still dealing with the hardships and consequences of World War II and living with the conventions of the old days.

Over the past 70 years, we have witnessed how our society has become a society of many cultures and religions. State institutions, in turn, have changed. But through change and trials, our nation and the extended family of kingdoms, of whose talents, traditions and accomplishments I am indescribably proud, have prospered and prospered. Our values ​​have remained and must remain unshakable.

The role and duties of the monarchy remain, as do the special relationship and responsibility of the monarch to the Church of England, the Church in which my own faith is deeply rooted. In the context of this faith and the values ​​it inspires, I was raised with a sense of duty to others and with the utmost respect for the precious traditions, freedoms and duties of our unique history and parliamentary system.

As the Queen herself did with unwavering devotion, so I now solemnly swear, during the remainder of the time God has given me, to uphold the constitutional principles that underlie our nation. And wherever you live, in the UK or its kingdoms and territories around the world, and regardless of your background or beliefs, I will try to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have done throughout my life.

My life will naturally change as I take on new responsibilities. I will no longer be able to devote so much time and energy to charitable organizations and causes that I deeply care about. But I know that this important work will be carried on in the good hands of others.

It is also a time of change for my family. I rely on the loving help of my beloved wife Camille. In recognition of her dedicated public service since we were married 17 years ago, Camilla is becoming my royal wife. I know she will meet the demands of her new role with the unswerving devotion to duty that I have relied on many times.

As my heir, William now inherits the Scottish titles that meant so much to me. He will succeed me as Duke of Cornwall and assume responsibility for the Duchy of Cornwall, which I have ruled for more than five decades. […] I know that with Katherine by his side, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will continue to inspire and drive public debate, helping to highlight issues that can be vitally helped to resolve.

I also want to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives abroad. […]

And to my dear mother, as you embark on your last long journey to meet my beloved late father, I just want to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and dedication to our family and the family of nations that you have served so diligently over the years.