King Charles addresses both Houses of Parliament at Westminster Hall today
KING Charles is in Parliament this morning, where he will give an historic address to the Commons and Lords following the death of Queen Elizabeth.
In Westminster Hall, the Monarch will listen to condolence messages from the Speakers of the Commons and Lords before delivering a heartfelt response.
He is joined by his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort.
Around 900 Parliamentarians are gathered in Westminster Hall to witness the spectacle.
Just minutes before the King was due to speak, Prince Harry released a statement paying tribute to the “everlasting grace” and “infectious smile” of his granny.
The Prince said: “I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings – from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great-grandchildren.”
Harry offered an olive branch to his dad as he takes up his new role as Monarch.
The Duke of Sussex said: “We now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III”.
Westminster Hall, which was built in 1097 under William II, has hosted speeches by esteemed dignitaries including Nelson Mandela and the Pope.
In 2002, the Queen Mother lay in state in the grand building for three days.
Queen Elizabeth will also lie in state from Wednesday this week until the state funeral on Monday.
Members of the public are expected to queue for around 11 hours to view the coffin and pay their respects.
It comes as…
- William & Harry could walk side by side behind the Queen’s coffin at her funeral
- Princess Anne curtsied to her beloved mum as Her Majesty’s coffin left Balmoral for the final time
- Thousands left flowers outside royal residences across the country
- King Charles III was proclaimed as King across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- King Charles’ relentless schedule was revealed – where he always skips one meal a day
- Details of The Queen’s sombre final journey back to London emerged
- A new Bank Holiday to mark The Queen’s funeral on September 19 was established
READ MORE ROYAL NEWS
Across Friday and Saturday, MPs and peers delivered passionate tributes to Queen Elizabeth in Parliament.
Liz Truss hailed the late Monarch as “one of the greatest leaders the world has ever known”.
After the King addresses Parliament at 10am, he will travel to Edinburgh, where a Ceremony of the Keys will take place at the Palace of Holyrood House.
Most read in The Sun
Following the Ceremony of the Keys, the King will join the procession of the Queen’s coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral.
Then, the King and the Queen Consort, accompanied by other royal family members, will attend a service of prayer and reflection for the life of the Queen at St Giles’ Cathedral.
The King will receive the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, followed by the presiding officer, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.