As Britain yesterday commenced period of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II who died on Thursday, the sombre mood of grief among crowds of mourners paying tribute to the Queen as “the grandmother of the nation” outside Buckingham Palace lifted as the King Charles III, Britain’s new monarch, was welcomed with cheers.
This is just as President Muhammadu Buhari, former President Goodluck Jonathan and other Nigerian leaders joined other leaders around the globe to pay tributes to the late Queen.
In his first address as King, the new monarch pledged to serve his people and the Commonwealth nations with loyalty, respect and love throughout his reign. He stated that he would uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of his nation. He said, “as the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.
“And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life. My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. In a little over a week’s time, we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example”.
News of the Queen’s death broke at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday, throwing thousands of people from across the country and the globe into mourning.
Meanwhile, many have visited the royal residence in central London to feel part of a moment in history. Many were crying, praying and laying colorful flowers at the wrought iron gates on Friday.
However, nearby florists had sold out due to rocketing demand, and charity staff were selling white flowers in Green Park for those streaming down the pathways that lead to the Palace.
