King Charles III hit the ground running. After waiting longer to accede to the throne than all other royal heirs in British history, he was as prepared as anyone can be for the death of their mother and sovereign.
The day after the Queen’s death he addressed the nation. Mixing the personal and the monarchical, he spoke of his “profound sorrow” at her death, and sought to set the tone for his reign by dedicating himself to serving like she did and making it clear that his days as an activist prince were over. He also extended an olive branch, speaking of his “love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas”.