The now king's 70 years as a heir apparent were marked by private and public turmoil

King Charles III on Thursday made his first statement as monarch after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II, saying that “the death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family."

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved mother.”

To assure a seamless transition and the continuity of royal governance, Charles — arguably the best-prepared Royal heir in history — became the sovereign with immediate effect once his mother was pronounced deceased. ... Read More: i24