Twitter Was Emotional & Proud After King Charles III’s First Public Address

Immediately following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, her eldest son became King Charles III. The new reigning monarch addressed the country with a video pre-filmed at Buckingham Palace on the morning of Sept. 9 — his first speech since assuming the new title. “I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honor her life of service,” he said during the speech, which ran for nearly 10 minutes. “I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you, and I share that sense of loss beyond measure with you all.” There was a framed photograph of Queen Elizabeth II on the desk as he spoke.

The new king took time to talk about his mother’s legacy, referencing a promise she made in 1947, on her 21st birthday, in which she told listeners from Cape Town, South Africa that her “whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

During and immediately following the new monarch’s speech, viewers took to social media to react in live time.

King Charles III Mentioned Harry & Meghan

“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas,” King Charles III said during his speech, prompting reactions from Twitter users who were happy to see the California-based duke and duchess mentioned.

Given the history between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family, several viewers were surprised at the reference.

The Sun reporter Jack Hardwick described the moment as “the biggest olive branch to Harry and Meghan possible,” adding that “hopefully it helps to draw a line in the mud slinging for everyone’s sake.”

As one user put it, the nod to Harry and Meghan “shows how seriously out of sync the Daily Mail now is,” referencing the British tabloid against which Meghan won a privacy lawsuit last year.

King Charles III Spoke Of Queen Elizabeth II’s Legacy

For many viewers, the most emotional moments happened when King Charles III referenced his mother’s reign — the longest in British history.

Sometimes, King Charles III addressed his mother directly. As royal journalist Emily Nash pointed out, he quoted Shakespeare in one such moment.

Viewers Reacted To King Charles III Meeting The Moment

Other viewers saw King Charles III’s speech as an example of what’s to come in his role as Britain’s monarch.

“A man heavy with the knowledge of what is needed and expected of him,” as one user put it.

Another described King Charles III’s address as “dignified, thoughtful, and moving,” suggesting that the new king will “do just fine” in his role.

Viewers Remembered Princess Diana

King Charles III did not mention Princess Diana in his first speech as the new monarch, but the late royal was on many viewers’ minds.

Diana’s memory was especially prevalent when King Charles III named the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as the new Prince and Princess of Wales, titles he and Diana previously held. The couple’s Twitter account already reflects this title change.

“[They] will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the center ground where vital help can be given,” King Charles III said.

People Shared Photos From Pubs

Several people took to Twitter to share scenes of people viewing King Charles III’s address in real time.

One user described the scene at a local bar as “striking and heartfelt.”

Another shared a snap from a pub near Balmoral Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II died Sept. 8.