Prince William made a sweet tribute to his father, King Charles III, at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday.
Taking to the stage, Prince William thanked the crowd and those responsible for putting the concert together before giving his speech.
“I want to say a few words about my father and why I believe this weekend is so important. But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long,” the prince joked about Lionel Richie, who also performed at the concert.
Prince William also then quoted his grandmother, the late-Queen Elizabeth by stating, “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 proud mother.
“For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message. Service,” the Prince of Wales continued.
“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.
“Take the natural world. He warned us of the risks to our planet’s health long before it was an everyday issue,” William said, highlighting King Charles’ passion for conservation and the environment. “Or the Prince’s Trust. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realize their ambitions,” he continued, pointing to Charles’ namesake charity.
“And, perhaps most importantly of all, my father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported. Pa, we are all so proud of you.
“I also want to express my pride and gratitude for the millions of people who serve, in the forces, in classrooms, hospital wards and local communities,” William added, “I wish I could mention you all. Your service inspires us, and tonight we celebrate you too.
“I commit myself to serve you all. King, Country and Commonwealth,” the prince concluded. “God Save the King.”
Prince William also took part in his father’s coronation service on May 6, 2023.
During the crowning ceremony, the prince placed his hands between his father’s, and said: “I, William, Prince of Wales, pledge my loyalty to you and faith and truth I will bear unto you, as your liege man of life and limb. So help me God.”
Prince William also helped the bishops and Baroness Merron place a robe on King Charles before the St. Edward’s Crown was placed on his head.
As the future king, Prince William is getting some good practice for when his own coronation comes around.
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