Charles tells PM that mother’s death was ‘moment I have been dreading’
Liz Truss had her first audience with the new King at Buckingham Palace.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Charles has told Liz Truss that the death of his mother was “the moment I have been dreading”.
The Prime Minister had her first audience with the new King following his return to Buckingham Palace from Balmoral.
Ms Truss, who only took office this week, curtsied as she was shown in to meet Charles for the first of what will be regular weekly encounters.
As she offered her condolences, the King shook her hand and thanked her, saying: “You are very kind for coming – I know how busy you are.”
He added: “But it’s been so touching this afternoon when we arrived here, all those people come to give their condolences.”
Ms Truss again repeated: “Your Majesty, my very greatest sympathies.”
He replied: “You are very kind. It was the moment I have been dreading, as I know a lot of people have. We’ll try to keep everything going. Come, come have a seat.”
Earlier, Ms Truss led tributes in the House of Commons to the Queen as she urged the country to support their new monarch.
She told MPs the King “bears an awesome responsibility that he now carries for all of us”, adding: “Even as he mourns, his sense of duty and service is clear.”
She said the British people, the Commonwealth and all MPs must support Charles as he takes the country forward to a “new era of hope and progress, our new Carolean age”.
While “our lives changed forever” with the death of the Queen, she said Britons must show the world “we do not fear what lies ahead”.
On Tuesday, Ms Truss met the Queen at her Scottish estate when she was invited to form a Government following her victory in the Conservative leadership contest.
On Saturday, she will attend the Accession Council in the State Apartments of St James’s Palace where Charles will be formally proclaimed King.