Prince William says late Queen would be a ‘proud mother’ in coronation concert speech

UK

Prince William said his grandmother would be a “proud mother” on the King’s coronation weekend, saying the late Queen is “fondly keeping an eye on us”.

The Prince of Wales took to the stage at the Coronation Concert after Lionel Richie – and couldn’t resist joking that, unlike the star, he wouldn’t go on “all night long”.

After a day filled with pomp, ceremony and traditions dating back 1000 years – and an evening of more modern entertainment – he took a moment to reflect on the late Queen’s coronation in 1953.

“As my grandmother said when she was crowned, coronations are a declaration of our hopes for the future.

“And I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us. She would be a very proud mother.”

Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla attend the Coronation Concert on May 7, 2023 in Windsor, Britain. Mark Large/Pool via REUTERS
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The King and Queen Camilla waved Union flags at the Coronation Concert
Britain's William, the Prince of Wales kisses his father King Charles III during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London. Picture date: Saturday May 6, 2023. Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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The Prince of Wales kisses his father King Charles III during his coronation ceremony
King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Prince William, Prince of Wales, Rishi Sunak and Patricia Scotland, Baroness Scotland, are seen during the Coronation Concert on May 07, 2023 in Windsor, Britain. Chris Jackson/Pool via REUTERS

He also highlighted the “simple message” at the heart of all the pageantry of the coronation: “service”.

“My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service.

“It was a pledge to continue to serve.

“Because for over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.

“Pa, we are all so proud of you,” he said, referencing the King’s dedication to the environment and the Prince’s Trust.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales greet crowds in Windsor


More from the King’s coronation:
Camilla: From Mrs Parker Bowles to Queen
‘This is boring’: King caught complaining to Camilla
William gifted a drink as Prince and Princess of Wales meet royal fans

He went on to express his gratitude to others around who serve: in the military, in classrooms, in hospitals and communities.

“Your service inspires us all, and tonight we celebrate you too,” he said.

“I commit myself to serve you all.”

He ended with the rallying cry of the weekend: “God save the King!”

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