King Charles III 'deeply grateful' for parliament condolences in his first address to MPs


Gillian Duncan
  • English
  • Arabic

Queen Elizabeth II dies - follow the latest news as the world mourns

King Charles III made a historic address to MPs and peers for the first time on Monday, before leading a procession behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin.

The new monarch and Queen Consort took their seats on thrones at the foot of steps in Westminster Hall as Lords and MPs offered their condolences.

“As Shakespeare says of the earlier Queen Elizabeth, she was a pattern to all princes living,” he said.

“As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history, which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital parliamentary traditions to which members of both houses dedicate yourselves with such personal commitment to the betterment of us all.”

The Lord Speaker, Lord McFall of Alcluith, pledged his loyalty to the new monarch and presented an address on behalf of the House of Lords.

He said the queen was both “a leader to and a servant of the people”.

Her humility and integrity commanded the respect and captured the imagination of peoples and nations across the globe, he said.

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who presented an address on behalf of MPs, said the loss of the queen was felt around the world.

The king then took to the stage to say he was “deeply grateful” for the condolences from the lords and commons.

He said the queen “set an example of selfless duty which, with God's help, and your counsel I am resolved to follow”.

“The great bell of Big Ben, one of the most powerful symbols of our nation, throughout the world and housed within Elizabeth Tower, also named for my mother's diamond jubilee, will mark the passage of the late queen's progress from Buckingham Palace to this parliament on Wednesday,” he said.

“My Lords and members of the House of Commons. We gather today in remembrance of the remarkable span of the queen’s dedicated service to her nations and peoples.

"While very young, her late majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government, which lie at the heart of our nation.

“This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion. She set an example of selfless duty, which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”

The hall then sang God Save the King before the royal couple returned to Buckingham Palace.

The UK mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II - in pictures

5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

Updated: September 12, 2022, 1:32 PM