On Sept. 9, the United Kingdom began the first full day of national mourning following Her Majesty’s death. In the morning hours, 96 gun salutes were fired and church bells tolled across the country and overseas in tribute to the Queen. The first full day of mourning comes exactly seven years after the late Queen became the longest reigning monarch in British history.
A service of prayer and reflection on the death of the Queen was held at St Paul’s Cathedral. While King Charles III was not in attendance, the service included the first official rendition of God Save the King.
In his first speech to the nation as King, His Majesty paid tribute to his beloved mother. “She was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother,” he said. “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.”