King Charles III’s Quotes About Becoming the New Monarch: Everything He’s Said

Credit: Jane Barlow/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

King Charles III's Quotes About Becoming the New Monarch: Everything He's Said

A new monarch. King Charles III succeeded the British throne in September 2022 upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” Buckingham Palace announced. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” Charles became the monarch of the U.K. and its commonwealth in fall 2022 but it wasn’t until May 6, 2023, that he was officially crowned king. His wife, Queen Camilla, went from Duchess Camilla to Queen Consort before receiving her newest moniker. (The late queen confirmed in February 2022 that Charles’ second wife would get the title when he took over.) “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” he shared in a statement just hours after his mother’s passing. “We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.” The former Prince of Wales continued: “During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by her knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.” [jwplayer O1YzulTA-zhNYySv2] Charles, the oldest of the queen and the late Prince Philip’s four children, has spent his entire life preparing to one day succeed the throne amid Queen Elizabeth’s historic 70-year reign. Others questioned if Charles would bypass the throne entirely, handing over the reins to his oldest son, Prince William. Charles, who is also the father of Prince Harry, couldn’t help but take a dig at the chatter during the Prince’s Trust Awards Trophy Ceremony at St. James’ Palace in 2021 when recalling the time he went to discount store T.K. Maxx. “I remember there were an enormous number of people who were trying to get in, as they were waiting for me to get out. Story of my life ...,” he quipped at the time. Amid the gossip, it’s clear that Charles has spent a lifetime seriously thinking about his plans as king. "I've had this extraordinary feeling, for years and years, ever since I can remember really, of wanting to heal and make things better," he revealed in a 2013 Time cover story. "I feel more than anything else it's my duty to worry about everybody and their lives in this country, to try to find a way of improving things if I possibly can." Keep scrolling to read everything Charles has said about becoming king throughout the years:

Credit: Reginald Davis/Shutterstock

A Healer

"I've had this extraordinary feeling, for years and years, ever since I can remember really, of wanting to heal and make things better," Charles revealed in his 2013 Time profile. "I feel more than anything else it's my duty to worry about everybody and their lives in this country, to try to find a way of improving things if I possibly can."

Credit: Dutch Press Photo/Cover Images/INSTARimages.com

The 'Value' of Becoming King

Nearly 10 years before the queen’s death, when asked about the idea of bypassing his role as the rightful heir to the throne, her eldest son remarked to Time, “If you chuck away too many things, you end up discovering there was value in them."

Credit: Tim Rooke/Shutterstock

He’s Got Jokes

Still, Charles isn’t immune to sharing his sense of humor when it comes to the idea of William surpassing his position. Using his trip to T.K. Maxx as a simile, he joked about the rumors at the 2021 Prince’s Trust Awards Trophy Ceremony.

“I remember there were an enormous number of people who were trying to get in, as they were waiting for me to get out. Story of my life …,” the monarch quipped.

Credit: Samir Hussein/Pool/Shutterstock

The Difference Between Prince and King

In a 2018 BBC documentary celebrating his 70th birthday, Charles revealed that he would not dive into political issues when he ascends the throne.

“There’s only room for one sovereign at the time, not two,” the monarch remarked at the time, referring to his ability to comment on controversial topics while still prince. “Clearly … I won't be able to do the same things I've done, you know, as heir, so of course you operate within the ... the constitutional parameters,” he shared at the time.

Credit: Yui Mok/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

His Pledge to the Crown

Charles declared his allegiance to Britain and all he reigns in his first speech as king in September 2022.

"I ... solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation," the monarch stated. "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 endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect, and love as I have throughout my life."

He continued: "My life will, of course, change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others."

Credit: Jonathan Brady/WPA Pool/Shutterstock

God Save the King

The sovereign, who presides over the Church of England in his role as monarch, made mention of his religious beliefs while officially ascending the throne in September 11, 2022. “In carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, to which I dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of almighty God," he stated.

Credit: FACUNDO ARRIZABALAGA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

King Charles III's 'Duty to Protect the Diversity' of the U.K.

Addressing religious leaders at Buckingham Palace on September 16, 2022, Charles spoke candidly about his "duty to protect the diversity of our country, including by protecting the space for Faith itself and its practise through the religions, cultures, traditions and beliefs to which our hearts and minds direct us."

The king continued: “My Christian beliefs have love at their very heart. By my most profound convictions therefore, as well as by my position as sovereign, I hold myself bound to respect those who follow other spiritual paths, as well as those who seek to live their lives according to secular ideals."

Credit: Pool/Shutterstock

Taking His Royal Coronation Oath

“I, Charles, do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law," the monarch said in May 2023 as he knelt before the altar and offered a prayer during his coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

He continued: "Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace."