In a speech at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle the heir to the throne, who has grown closer to his father in the past few years, said the whole family was proud of King Charles.
William, 40, who pledged to serve King, country and Commonwealth, praised his father’s life work and commitment to duty towards the end of a raucous Coronation Concert watched by a 20,000 crowd at Windsor Castle and a worldwide television audience.
Charles, 74, who joined a large group of his family in the royal box, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte, in the castle grounds, looked touched at his elder son’s speech, which came a day after a historic and deeply religious Coronation service that was widely praised for showcasing the best of modern Britain as well as its traditions.
William said: “I want to say a few words about my father, and why I believe this weekend is so important.”
Joking about one of the biggest hits of Lionel Richie, one of the concert’s stars,he added: “But don’t worry, unlike Lionel, I won’t go on all night long.
“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.”
He praised the King for his work and vision. “For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message. Service,” he said.
“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.
“Or the Prince’s Trust. It has supported over a million young people, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, to realise their ambitions.
“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.”
Addressing the monarch, he told the crowd and millions watching on television: “Pa, we are all so proud of you.”
The Prince, who with his wife Kate will take on much of the burden of responsibility as the King and Queen get older, also pledged his own life to serving the nation.
“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,” he said. “I wish I could mention you all.
“Your service inspires us all, And tonight we celebrate you too.
“I commit myself to serve you all. King, Country and Commonwealth. God Save The King!”
His father and Queen Camilla, who both stayed out of public view during most of the day yesterday, remained in the royal box for the hour-and-a-half-long show. They did not take to the stage.
Aides said they wanted the evening’s celebrations to be a chance for the spotlight to shine on others taking part ahead of the Light Up the Nation celebrations.
But in a statement issued by Buckingham Palace they thanked Britain for the outpouring of love, warmth and affection during their Coronation.
A palace spokesman said: “Their Majesties were deeply touched and profoundly grateful both to all those who helped to make it such a glorious occasion – and to the very many who turned out to show their support in such numbers in London and further afield.”
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