King Charles expresses the ‘greatest sadness’ following the death of Queen Elizabeth II

King Charles has expressed the “greatest sadness” following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle. 

• The new King Charles has shared a heartfelt statement since Buckingham Palace announced that Queen Elizabeth II had passed away. 
• The King was amongst the senior royals who were at Balmoral when the news of his mother’s passing was shared. 
• It’s understood that the Prince of Wales will now be known as King Charles III and will be proclaimed as such in a special ceremony.  

On September 8, Buckingham Palace released a statement confirming the passing of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Her death aged 96 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland comes after 70 years of dedicated service and her unwavering devotion to her royal duties and to the UK and Commonwealth inspired people across the world. Now as the Royal Family enters a period of royal mourning, the new King has shared a heartfelt statement reflecting on the loss of such a “cherished Sovereign”. 

Described as a “Statement from His Majesty the King at the time of the Queen’s death”, King Charles shared how he and his family will “mourn profoundly” the passing of his mother. 

“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,” he declared. “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.” 

The new King continued, “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.”

The new King and Queen Consort were amongst the senior royals who were at Balmoral Castle after the news broke earlier today that the Queen was “under medical supervision” after healthcare professionals expressed “concern”.

The royal couple was soon joined by all three of the Queen’s other children, as well as King Charles’ son Prince William and his sister-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex. Prince Harry, his youngest son, is understood to be on his way to Scotland to reunite with his family.

Whilst King Charles’ official title has yet to be confirmed officially by the Royal Family, it’s understood he will be known as King Charles III when he is formally crowned King, though the throne immediately passed to him after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. He will be officially proclaimed King at St James’s Palace in London in front of the Accession Council - a ceremonial body.

It’s thought that the King does not have to attend the ceremony which, according to the BBC, will see the death of Queen Elizabeth II announced by the Lord President of the Privy Council and a proclamation read aloud. This typically commends the previous monarch and pledges support for their successor. 

The King is set to return to London on September 9, a day after the death of Her Majesty and he will lead the country in mourning her devastating loss.