King Charles pays emotional tribute to his "darling mama" in first public speech as new monarch

King Charles III has spoken of his profound sorrow at the death of his "darling mama", Queen Elizabeth II.

The new monarch used his first public address as King to pay tribute to the Queen after her death at 96.

"Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen - my beloved Mother - 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; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example.

"Queen Elizabeth was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing."

Charles also paid tribute to his wife Camilla and heir apparent William. 

At the same time, he extended an olive branch to his youngest son, saying: "I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas".

At 73, the Queen's eldest son and heir to the throne automatically and immediately became King when his mother died peacefully at Balmoral Castle yesterday.

He earlier left Balmoral to travel to London and to perform his first official duties as King.

He thanked mourners for their well wishes as he arrived at Buckingham Palace, telling one woman: "You are so kind."

The impromptu meet and greet resulted in the King spending more than 10 minutes walking down the line of people gathered to welcome him back to London.