King Charles to address the nation today in televised speech

King Charles will address the nation today in his first speech since the death of his mother, the Queen.

He will pay tribute to Britain's longest reigning monarch - who died aged 96 at Balmoral on Thursday - and pledge his duty to a life of service in a televised speech. On Saturday, he will then be formally proclaimed monarch at a historic Accession Council held at St James’s Palace in London.

The King and the new Queen Consort Camilla will travel back to London today. Despite his grief, the new sovereign will then have his first audience as monarch with Prime Minister Liz Truss.

READ MORE:When does Prince Charles become King following the death of Queen Elizabeth?

Charles is then likely to meet the Earl Marshal – the Duke of Norfolk – who is in charge of the accession and the Queen’s funeral, to approve the carefully choreographed schedule for the coming days. He will decide on the length of court or royal mourning for members of the royal family and royal households.

It is expected to last a month. His televised address, which he is due to pre-record, is likely to then be aired on television in the early evening.

Charles paid tribute to his mother yesterday evening in his first public statement as Britain's new monarch. He said: "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