King Charles Pays Tribute to Queen Elizabeth in His First King's Address | Vanity Fair

Written by Katie Nicholl

King Charles gave his inaugural address at the State Opening of Parliament on Tuesday, making him the first monarch to do so in over seven decades.

This momentous and eagerly awaited event saw King Charles donning the Imperial State Crown and his ermine Robe of State in a ceremony that was replete with grandeur and ceremony.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Queen Camilla donned her coronation gown by designer Bruce Oldfield along with the crimson Robe of State and famed State Diamond Diadem crown and necklace, favorites of the late Queen Elizabeth.

Recent years have seen the State Opening of Parliament pared down due to COVID-19 restrictions and the late Queen Elizabeth's declining health. Nonetheless, Tuesday's ceremony encompassed all the royal regalia typically associated with the occasion, including crowns and thrones, and a procession from Buckingham Palace to the House of Lords in the Diamond State Coach.

In May of last year, Charles had to present the monarch's speech on behalf of Queen Elizabeth who was unable to attend due to her deteriorating health. On that day, Charles and Camilla were seated next to the Imperial State Crown.

On Tuesday, King Charles wore the crown, the same one he wore for his coronation on May 6, in what was a deeply significant moment. The Queen opted for a hat and day dress in her later years, finding the crown too heavy to wear.

Following the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords, Queen Camilla and King Charles III exited via the Sovereign’s Entrance at the Palace of Westminster.

Charles' decision to adhere to all formalities at Tuesday's ceremony, indicating his penchant for tradition and heritage. Queen Camilla and his sister, Princess Anne, the King's primary "protector" were by his side. Accompanied into the chamber by Princess Anne, signifying her importance in his life.

Princess Anne made her entrance into the Palace of Westminster through the Sovereign's Entrance in preparation for the State Opening of Parliament in the House of Lords.

The King paid tribute to his “beloved mother” and her legacy of “service and devotion” in his speech.

The last king to deliver such an address was his grandfather, King George VI, in 1951 when Charles was a toddler.

The King's Speech reflected government policy and Charles, careful to appear apolitical, outlined Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plans, despite reported private disagreement. On Tuesday, he maintained an impeccable poker face, giving nothing away.

Anti-monarchy demonstrators were visible during a procession for the formal start of the parliamentary year in London, expressing dissent with placards reading 'Not My King'.

Despite anti-monarchist protestors and chants of “Down with the Crown,” Charles’s debut as King was largely well-received. The King remained unperturbed, acknowledging protesters as he passed by in the state coach.

Later in the week, the King and Queen have more engagements to attend, including the Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph.