King Charles III has been formally proclaimed the new King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, after a historic ceremony at St James's Palace in London on Saturday.
Accompanied by his wife, Camilla, and his son and the heir to the throne, William, Charles III was proclaimed King at the Accession Council in St James's Palace in London. In a solemn and moving ceremony, the proclamation was signed by Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Archbishop of Canterbury, among others.
In the Accession Council, 200 of the most senior ministers, 14 diplomats from the realms, and holders of the great offices of state were joined by King Charles III, becoming a formal meeting of the Privy Council – the first official meeting in his new role. King Charles took numerous oaths and declarations on the death of his mother, while also pledging to the continuity of government.
King Charles III signing the oath. Credit: BBC
"I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now been passed to me," King Charles stated.
“I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government, and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world."
At 11 am UK time, the proclamation was read from the balcony of the palace, with ceremonial gun salutes in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London.
Carolean era
Charles became the new king after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday evening. Saturday's ceremony marked the official proclamation, ushering in the beginning of the Carolean era in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
King Charles III is also the oldest new monarch in British history, as no other heir has waited as long as him – 70 years – to accede the throne.
On Friday evening, the new Monarch addressed the British public for the first time in a televised address, paying tribute to his ‘beloved mother,’ Queen Elizabeth II, and pledging his service to the country as the new King.
His speech was lauded across British media and the general public, with many commenting the new King had risen to the moment. "Whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love."
Earlier in the day, several thousand people massed in front of Buckingham Palace and greeted King Charles III on his arrival in London.
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He shook hands with the audience, to the cries of "God Save the King!" The King also met new Prime Minister Liz Truss on Friday afternoon.
In the evening, the first official rendition of God Save The King was sung at St Paul’s Cathedral at the end of a memorial service for the Queen. To mark the new monarch’s reign, the lyrics to the British national anthem changes from “Queen” to “King” and “her victorious” to “him victorious.”
Britain has entered a 10-day period of mourning, with many events cancelled this weekend. For those in Brussels wanting to pay tribute, the British Embassy has opened a book of condolences for people to sign and send their tributes to the deceased monarch.
King Charles III today also signed an order to declare the date of Queen Elizabeth's funeral a public holiday, although it is not yet known when that will be. British media believe the funeral will take place on Monday 19 September.
