The song was formally known as “God Save the Queen,” throughout the Queen’s 70-year reign, but now that King Charles has taken the throne, he must stand in silence as it is being sung to him. The song is to be sung to the monarch as a tradition that “dates back to the 18th century,” according to the official website of the royal family. The song was first performed in London in September of 1745 and the “practice soon spread to other theatres, and the custom of greeting monarchs with the song as he or she entered a place of public entertainment was thus established.“Ahead of the Queen’s funeral, King Charles left a heartfelt letter on his mother’s casket along with flowers that he hand-picked from three of the royal residences. The note read, “In loving and devoted memory, Charles R.” The “R” stands for “Rex,” which is Latin for “King.” This could also be a nod to his mother as she would sign notes as “Elizabeth R”—the “R” stands for “Regina,” which is Latin for “Queen.“On Sept. 9 King Charles delivered his first address as he took to the throne. “Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration and example to me and all our family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example,” he said. “Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered,” he added, “through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss.” More News:
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