Charles III, the King of the United Kingdom, has made his first speech as new sovereign of the Commonwealth.

The statement signed on Thursday evening addressed the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Titled A STATEMENT FROM HIS MAJESTY THE KING AT THE TIME OF THE QUEEN’S DEATH, the speech read:

“The death of my beloved Mother. Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

Elizabeth II died at 96 as the longest serving monarch of the UK.

After first revealing that the Queen was under medical supervision, Buckingham Palace announced her death on Thursday.

“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow,” the palace stated.