On his first visit to Northern Ireland as King, Charles III said his mother “never ceased to pray for the best of times for this place and its people”.
The King also received a message of condolence from the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey said the Queen recognized how a “small but significant gesture can make a big difference in changing attitudes”. The royal couple had previously met well-wishers outside Hillsborough Castle.
It is the only royal residence in Northern Ireland and has been a focal point for floral honours. The king held private meetings with Northern Ireland secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and senior representatives of Stormont’s political parties.
He then traveled to Belfast for a service at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.
Speaking at Hillsborough Castle, the king said the late queen had seen profound and historical changes during her long reign. “My mother felt deeply, I know, the significance of the role she herself played in bringing together those whom history had separated and reached out to facilitate the healing of long-held pain,” he said.
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“Now, with that shining example before me, and with God’s help, I take on my new duties, determined to seek the welfare of all citizens of Northern Ireland.”
Mr. Maskey, Sinn Féin’s longest-serving elected representative, began his speech in Irish, saying, “Ba mhaith liom comhbhrón a dhéanamh leat ag an am crua seo (I would like to sympathize with you at this difficult time). “It is extraordinary given the social and political change Queen Elizabeth has witnessed during her long reign.
“Yesterday a gathering of trade unionists, republicans, nationalists and those for whom the Constitution is not of primary concern gathered to pay their respects to the late Queen.
“When she first ascended the throne, no one expected such a diverse and inclusive gathering.”
