His Majesty The King’s reply to the message of condolence at Hillsborough Castle
Published
During the years of my mother's reign, it has been a privilege to bear witness to such a devoted life.
My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most heartfelt thanks for your condolences. I am here today at a time of great personal sorrow as we mark the death of my beloved mother, after a life most faithfully dedicated to the duty to which she had been called.
It is fitting that we should meet at Hillsborough, which my mother knew so well, and in whose beautiful rose garden she always took such pleasure.
In the years since she began her long life of public service, my mother saw Northern Ireland pass through momentous and historic changes. Through all those years, she never ceased to pray for the best of times for this place and for its people, whose stories she knew, whose sorrows our Family had felt, and for whom she had a great affection and regard.
My mother felt deeply, I know, the significance of the role she herself played in bringing together those whom history had separated, and in extending a hand to make possible the healing of long-held hurts.
At the very beginning of her life of service, The Queen made a pledge to dedicate herself to her country and her people and to maintain the principles of constitutional government. This promise she kept with steadfast faith. Now, with that shining example before me, and with God's help, I take up my new duties resolved to seek the welfare of all the inhabitants of Northern Ireland.
During the years of my mother's reign, it has been a privilege to bear witness to such a devoted life. May it be granted to us all to fulfil the tasks before us so well.
Related content
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the naming ceremony for the RRS Sir David Attenborough
The RRS Sir David Attenborough is a testament to the cutting-edge science and engineering expertise right here on Merseyside.
The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester reopen The Princess Alice Garden
Princess Beatrice of York and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi engaged to be married
A speech delivered by The Duchess of Sussex at the visit to The Justice Desk, Nyanga Township, South Africa
You have welcomed us into this community, have been open and honest with us, both about the dangers women and children face, and about how you are addressing them.
A speech by The Duke of Sussex at a visit to the Justice Desk, Cape Town, South Africa
We are so incredibly grateful to be able to listen and learn from you about the issues that define your daily lives in these communities. And that’s what this is, a community.
The Prince of Wales attends commemorations for the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem
21 September 2019The Duchess of Cambridge visits Sunshine House to meet the Family Nurse Partnership team
19 September 2019A speech by The Countess of Wessex at the Commonwealth Women’s Affairs Ministers Meeting, in Nairobi, Kenya
Gender equality is a fundamental right but it is not yet the reality for many
The Earl of Wessex visits Malaysia and Australia with The Duke of Edinburgh International Award
A speech by The Duke of Cambridge at the opening of BAFTA Piccadilly
BAFTA is an excellent British institution, and a unique charity with a truly global reach.
A speech delivered by The Duchess of Sussex at the launch of the Smart Works capsule collection in London
As women, it is one hundred percent our responsibility, I think, to support and uplift each other
The Duchess of Sussex launches the Smart Set Capsule Collection for Smart Works
12 September 2019A speech by The Duke of Sussex at the Invictus Games Foundation 5th anniversary event
I think for me this has always been about the competitors and their families. What they represent, the strength and determination, the grit, every part of it.
A speech by The Duchess of Cambridge at the ‘Back to Nature’ festival at RHS Wisley Garden
The Back to Nature Festival is a fitting finale to a project I have been thrilled to be part of.
The Duke of Sussex's speech at the launch of Travalyst in Amsterdam
We have the opportunity to address this tourism paradox and turn one of the world’s biggest problems into one of its greatest solutions
Heads Up
The Queen received in audience The Right Honourable Boris Johnson MP
The Queen received in Audience the Right Honourable Theresa May MP
The King's Cup
Her Majesty The Queen's Scottish Parliament Speech
It is perhaps worth reflecting that at the heart of the word “Parliament” lies its original meaning: a place to talk. I have no doubt that for most of these last twenty years...