King Charles III delivered his first address to the British parliament on Monday morning, days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The newly crowned King said that he could “feel the weight of history” as spoke to the British lawmakers.

King Charles III arrived at the Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament to accept condolences after Queen Elizabeth II’s death. Hundreds of lawmakers from both parliamentary houses gathered at the 1,000-year-old hall for the event.

Also Read: Prince Harry remembers Queen Elizabeth II: ‘You and grandpa are reunited’

Charles told members of the House of Commons and House of Lords that he would follow his late mother Queen Elizabeth II in upholding “the precious principles of constitutional governance” that underpin the UK’s political system.

He paid tribute to his mother, saying: “As Shakespeare said of the earlier Queen Elizabeth, she was a pattern to all princes living.”

The hall is the oldest part of the parliamentary complex — a remnant of the medieval Palace of Westminster that once stood on the site, news agency Associated Press reported. British monarchs are not allowed to enter the House of Commons.

Hours before King Charles III delivered his inaugural address for lawmakers, Prince Harry also made his first official statement after Queen Elizabeth II’s death last week. 

Also Read: Why Queen Elizabeth II’s will and wealth will remain secret

The statement posted on Harry and his wife Meghan’s Archwell website said he cherished their times together “from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved greatgrandchildren.”

On Saturday, there was a possible sign of reconciliation as Harry and Meghan joined his brother Prince William and sister-in-law Catherine in meeting mourners outside Windsor Castle. Harry and Meghan had moved to the United States nearly two years ago.