King Charles III pledges "lifelong service" as Britain's new monarch

Britain's King Charles III on Friday pledged "lifelong service" in his first address to the nation and the Commonwealth after assuming the throne following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Thursday.

"Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen (...) was an inspiration," he said in his televised speech. "Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today."

He said he felt "profound sorrow" over the death of his mother and that he shared the public's "sense of loss beyond measure."

Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch in history, died at Balmoral, Scotland, on Thursday, aged 96.

Charles, 73, will be officially proclaimed King at the Accession Council on Saturday in a ceremony held at St. James's Palace in London.

Charles bestowed the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales on his eldest son William and daughter-in-law Kate -- titles that he and his late wife Diana previously held.

He also expressed love for his son Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle as they "continue to build their lives overseas."