King Charles Teary Eyed in Video After First Speech: ‘Was That Alright?’

King Charles III was seen to be teary eyed after delivering his first address to the nation as sovereign on Friday, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II the previous day.

Behind-the-scenes footage of the king’s speech was recorded in Buckingham Palace’s blue drawing room and shows the 73-year-old monarch asking technicians “was that alright” after delivering an emotional tribute to the late queen.

King Charles III photographed delivering his first address to the public as sovereign, September 9, 2022. YUI MOK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

The footage has gone viral on Twitter with broadcaster James Briggs writing: “This behind the scenes video has been released by the Royal Family Channel and it’s clear to see the emotion in Prince Charles after recording his speech. When the King says “am I done” it’s hard for even the most hardened of people to not find sad.”

Commenters have praised the royal for his display of emotion while adopting a regal demeanor.

“It was a great speech, sincere and respectful about a very dedicated, devoted lady, a great leader of our time,” wrote one.

“It’s strange at the moment isn’t it? He had been the Prince of Wales for so long, but now everything about him inherently says I am the King,” posted another.

Charles’ address was recorded after he traveled to London from Scotland where Elizabeth II had died on Thursday. The 96-year-old’s died shortly after a statement from Buckingham Palace announced that her doctors were “concerned” and had placed her under medical supervision.

Members of the royal family flew to Scotland to be with the queen. It is reported that Charles and his sister Princess Anne were at her side when she passed.

In accordance with tradition Charles became king the instant the queen died, with the British throne never being vacant.

After announcing that he would rule as King Charles III and releasing a preliminary tribute to his mother, the new monarch arrived at Buckingham Palace on Friday where he received an enthusiastic welcome from the public with cheers of “god save the king.”

King Charles III photographed at Buckingham Palace, September 9, 2022. The king appeared to be teary eyed in a behind-the-scenes video taken after his first address as sovereign. DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images

The sovereign’s first public address was broadcast throughout Britain at 6 p.m. U.K. time, during a special service of remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral.

In addition to dedicating the remainder of his life to serving the British people and also announcing that he had made Prince William and Kate Middleton the Prince and Princess of Wales, Charles paid an emotional tribute to the queen during which he was visibly overcome.

“To my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa,” he said solemnly, “I want simply to say this: thank you.

“Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May ‘flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest’.”

This last line is a quotation from Act 5 Scene 2 of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. In this scene the character of Horatio pays tribute to the dying Prince of Denmark and says: “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

In tribute to his mother, Charles also announced on Friday that he wished members of his family and their households to observe royal mourning until seven days after her funeral. This will see the likes of William and Kate, now Prince and Princess of Wales, and Camilla, the Queen Consort, dress in black while in public.

An official date for the queen’s funeral is expected to be made in due course with the day being declared a bank holiday to allow members of the public to pay their respects.