His Majesty The King’s reply to the message of condolence at Hillsborough Castle

Published 13/09/2022

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 message of condolence from The King to the people of Vanuatu, following the recent earthquake.

I am aware, from my visit to Vanuatu and Port Vila in 2018, of the extraordinary spirit of ni-Vanuatu, which has been called upon too often in recent years with repeated...

21 December 2024
Press release 16 December 2024

The King's Gold Medal for Poetry 2024

Read more

The King's speech at the Qatar State Banquet

The United Kingdom is proud to be Qatar’s oldest friend in the Western world. We have a special bond founded on mutual respect which has stood the test of time.

03 December 2024

A speech by Her Majesty The Queen at a reception for winners of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 at Buckingham Palace

Thanks to your talents, your readers are taken on amazing journeys with you across the Commonwealth, from Gambia to Grenada, from Bangladesh to Botswana, from Malta to...

21 November 2024

A message read by The Duchess of Edinburgh, on behalf of The King, marking the 50th anniversary of the Birmingham Bombings

Today we remember the twenty-one people who lost their lives so cruelly and all who were injured, many of them grievously. We also pay heartfelt tribute to those who rushed to...

21 November 2024

A speech by The King at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon

It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and...

15 November 2024
Press release 13 November 2024

Bishop of Norwich appointed Lord High Almoner

Read more

A message from The King to King Felipe VI of Spain regarding the ongoing floods in Valencia.

Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week.

02 November 2024

His Majesty's remarks at the CHOGM dinner in Samoa

It remains a life-long aspiration to have visited all the countries of the Commonwealth

25 October 2024

His Majesty’s speech to open the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Samoa

Together, we can expand opportunities across this family of nations to build shared prosperity and truly resilient economies.

25 October 2024

Her Majesty The Queen’s speech to the CHOGM Women’s Forum

Leaders from around the globe are willing to meet, as equals, and to have difficult, and constructive, conversations.

24 October 2024

His Majesty’s remarks at the Community BBQ, Parramatta Park

It is no wonder, I think, that Sydney is world famous for its cuisine, whether it’s smashed avo, a pav, or a Cab Sav and that is what I hope has been on display!

22 October 2024

The King's speech to Parliament House, Canberra

In my many visits to Australia, I have witnessed the courage and hope that have guided the nation’s long and sometimes difficult journey towards reconciliation.

21 October 2024

His Majesty The King’s remarks to NSW Parliament House

I am delighted – and proud – to be able to return to the Parliament of New South Wales in order to celebrate the occasion of your bicentenary.

20 October 2024
Press release 11 October 2024

State Visit by the Amir of the State of Qatar

Read more

The King's speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament

We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland.

28 September 2024

The King's message to mark the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden

We will never forget the heroism and sacrifice made by so many in the pursuit of peace and liberation.

21 September 2024

A message from The King regarding the ongoing floods in Central Europe.

"My wife and I are profoundly shocked and saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe. Many people in the United...

19 September 2024