King Charles III affirms importance of Christian faith for his reign

By Devin Watkins

Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, the new king of the United Kingdom and 14 other Commonwealth states delivered his first televised address.

King Charles III praised the dedication and service of his mother, the late Queen, and renewed his promise of “lifelong service”.

He said Queen Elizabeth bore witness to an “abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress”, which he said won her the “affection, admiration, and respect” of so many people.

Christian values

King Charles also professed his intention to continue to embrace the values and faith embodied by his late mother, who reigned for 70 years.

The 73-year-old grandfather of five added that his Christian faith will inspire his service to the people of the United Kingdom.

Comfort in sorrow

As the nation enters a period of mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth, King Charles encouraged those who mourn her to find comfort in her example.

“In a little over a week's time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest,” he said. “In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example.”