Prince William vows to serve with ‘humility and respect’ in first act as Prince of Wales
Prince William has carried out his first duty as Prince of Wales and made a promise to his father, King Charles, who hosted his first reception for Commonwealth envoys.
Royals
Don't miss out on the headlines from Royals. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Prince William has carried out his first official act as Prince of Wales, reportedly telling the Welsh first minister he’ll serve with “humility and respect”.
According to The Sun, William’s promise comes after King Charles 73, gave the former the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge their new titles of the Prince and Princess of Wales on Friday, local time.
The title was previously given to William’s mother, Princess Diana, when she married Charles in 1981.
On Sunday, Prince William spoke over the phone with Welsh first minister Mark Drakeford and expressed his and The Princess of Wales’s honour in being asked by His Majesty The King to serve the Welsh people.
The call followed proclamation ceremonies which were held in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, marking King Charles’ official ascension to the throne.
And it also came as Charles hosted his first reception for representatives of the Commonwealth realms, the 14 former colonies over which he now reigns, in addition to Britain
The new Prince and Princess of Wales have announced they will spend the months and years ahead deepening their relationship with communities across Wales.
William said he and Catherine want to do their part to “support the aspirations” of the Welsh people and to “shine a spotlight” on both the challenges and opportunities in front of them.
He added that he and the Princess will be travelling to Wales “very soon”.
It comes after William and Harry and Kate and Meghan were dramatically reunited on Saturday in tribute to the Queen.
The brothers put aside their differences momentarily as the four inspected flowers outside Windsor Castle.
A royal source said: “It was an important show of unity for the Queen.”
William’s olive branch offer of the reunion was reportedly delivered, and accepted, less than an hour before the “Fab Four” gathered outside Windsor Castle.
Only William and Kate had been expected to meet the public from 4.30pm.
But the walkabout was delayed until 5.15pm to include Harry and Meghan.
William yesterday also paid tribute to his “granny” who was by his side during his “saddest moments”.
The royal posted his moving statement on his official Instagram account.
He said: “On Thursday, the world lost an extraordinary leader, whose commitment to the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth was absolute.
“So much will be said in the days ahead about the meaning of her historic reign.
“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade.
“She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Granny will truly feel real.”
He also praised the Queen for the 20 years of “guidance and support” she gave his wife Kate Middleton.
And he revealed how children George, nine, Louis, four, and seven-year-old Charlotte, have created memories that will last “their whole lives” thanks to holidays spent with the Queen.
More Coverage
Originally published as Prince William vows to serve with ‘humility and respect’ in first act as Prince of Wales
Meghan joins Oprah for ‘badly timed’ book event
Meghan Markle has appeared as a “light-filled” speaker at a star-studded book event with Oprah Winfrey on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death.
‘Stressful’: King’s health update ahead of Aussie tour
The health of King Charles is under scrutiny as he marks a poignant milestone after a turbulent year for the royals.