King Charles today thanked the people of Northern Ireland for their messages of support following the death of the Queen.
And the new monarch vowed to carry on his mother’s commitment to the region, telling dignitaries assembled at Hillsborough Castle he will “seek the welfare of all the inhabitants of Northern Ireland”.
Responding to messages of condolence, Charles III said: “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.
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"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.”
Earlier, Stormont Assembly Speaker Alex Maskey described how the Queen had been part of efforts to build peace in Ireland.
In a message of condolence on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, he said the Queen had not been “a distant observer” in the transformation and progress of relationships among the people of the country.
He said the monarch had “demonstrated how individual acts of positive leadership can help break down barriers and encourage reconciliation”.
Mr Maskey added: “She showed that a small and insignificant gesture - a visit, a handshake, crossing the street or speaking a few words of Irish - can make a huge difference in changing attitudes and building relationships.”
The Queen’s recognition of both British and Irish traditions, as well as the wider diversity of the community was “exceptionally significant”.
He added: “In all of this she personally underlined that one tradition is not diminished by reaching out to show respect to another.”
The messages were delivered in the wake of the King meeting well-wishers outside the Castle before meeting political leaders and other dignitaries in the Castle.
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