LONDON — King Charles III, addressing members of the British Parliament, said, “I can’t help but feel the weight of history surrounding us.”
Prince Charles told MPs and members of the House of Lords that he would follow in the footsteps of his late mother, Elizabeth II, by upholding the “valuable principles of constitutional governance” that underpin the British political system.
In honor of his mother, he said, “She was an example for all living princes, as Shakespeare said of the former Queen Elizabeth.”
Prince Charles will travel from the Houses of Parliament to Edinburgh to accompany the Queen’s coffin to attend the memorial service at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Main development:
— Those who want to pay their last respects to the Queen face long waits and strict rules
— Queen Elizabeth II’s Balmoral mansion was “normal”
— Queen Elizabeth II has had Corgis since she was a child
— Former British colonies clash over Queen Elizabeth II
— What’s next for Britain when Queen Elizabeth II rests
— What happens to all the currencies featuring the Queen?
— A Queen You Can Imagine — From Punk Rock to Mystery Fiction
— Learn more about AP here: https://apnews.com/hub/queen-elizabeth-ii
Other developments:
LONDON — In the Queen’s first public statement since her death, her grandson, Prince Harry, praised her as “a guiding compass” and praised her for her “unwavering grace and dignity.”
A personal statement posted on Harry and his wife Meghan’s Archwell website on Monday read, “From my childhood memories with you, to the first time I met you as my commander-in-chief, you were my first. Until the moment, we cherished our time together.” I met my beloved wife and hugged your dear great-grandchildren. ”
Harry stepped down as senior royal and moved to the United States two years ago.
Wellington, New Zealand — New Zealand has announced a public holiday on September 26 to commemorate the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
A state memorial service will also be held in Wellington on the same day. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Elizabeth was an extraordinary person and many welcomed the opportunity to commemorate her death and celebrate her life.
“As New Zealand’s Queen and beloved sovereign for more than 70 years, it is only fitting that her life of dedicated public service be commemorated with a state memorial service and a one-off holiday,” Ardern said.
She also said she will be leaving for the UK this week to attend Elizabeth’s funeral.
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has formally accepted an invitation to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The White House announced Sunday that the president will be accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden. The service will be held on September 19th.
Earlier in the day, Biden recalled the words of comfort his late monarch offered the United States after the September 11 attacks.
“Grief is the price we pay for love,” Biden said, quoting part of the Queen’s message to America, in remarks marking the 21st anniversary of the attack.
Biden said at a memorial service at the Pentagon that while the Queen’s words are just as poignant as they were 21 years ago, the weight of the loss still weighs.
“Prices felt very high on this day,” Biden said.
DONCASTER, UK — British horse racing paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II as she marked the return of her favorite sport after a hiatus following her death.
A two minute silence was held in Doncaster on Sunday. Videos played on the Queen’s big screen in various races over the years, along with some of her biggest victories as a racehorse owner.
Horse racing was the Queen’s big sporting attraction, becoming one of the sport’s biggest faces in both Britain and the world, with over 1,800 winners.
“No one has done more for horse racing than Her Majesty the Queen in a long time,” narrator Braff Scott, a former jockey-turned-TV host, said in the video. I am forever indebted to her.”
This was followed by a long round of applause from the jockeys and officials who lined up for the memorial service.
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