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Charles III was officially confirmed by the Accession Council as Britain’s new king in a historic ceremony at St James’s Palace.
Charles became king the moment his mother, Elizabeth II, died, but the Council of Succession will formally announce his successor in a historic ceremony as soon as possible after the monarch’s death.
Speaking at the Succession Council ceremony at 10:00 BST on September 10, Charles said he was well aware of “this great heritage” and the “duty and burden” of the monarch.
King Charles III also approved the Queen’s funeral as a public holiday, although it is unclear when the state funeral will take place.
This is the first time the historic ceremony of the Council of Succession has been televised.
The flag, which was lowered in memory of the late queen, was raised again after the ceremony to proclaim King Charles III, and more announcements were made across the UK until flags returned to half-staff on Sunday.
It comes after the British king delivered a touching first speech in which he pledged to follow his “dear mum” in a career of service.
He told the nation on Friday night that he was “deeply saddened” by his mother’s passing, praising her enthusiasm, humor and “always ability to see the best in people”.
The king has pledged to “unswervingly serve” the country as the late queen did in her 70th year on the throne.
At the Succession Council ceremony, King Charles III made a personal statement on the Queen’s death and took an oath to defend the Church of Scotland – where power is divided between church and state.
Camilla, Charles’ wife of 17 years, and the king’s son William attended the ceremony.
Camilla’s current title is Queen Consort and William’s title is Prince of Wales.
The succession ceremony took place at 11am on the balcony of Friar Court, St James’s Palace, London. The moment is accompanied by centuries-old spectacle – in Hyde Park and the Tower of London, trumpeters blow their horns and fire their guns in salute.
The phrase “Death of the Queen, Long Live the King” was not included in the official announcement and was usually added afterwards.
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The king’s enthronement will be announced at the Royal Exchange in the City of London, just as his mother had ascended the throne more than 70 years ago.
On Friday, the crowd gathered at Buckingham Palace cheered Charles, chanting “God bless the king!”
Charles then gave a televised speech expressing his wish that Prince William and his wife, the Prince and Queen of New Wales, “continue to inspire and lead us in a national conversation”.
He expressed his “love for Harry and Meghan” and praised the Queen for being “dedicated to her duties”.
The king acknowledged that his life had changed, saying “so much time and energy” could not be devoted to charities and affairs he had supported for decades as heir to the throne.
The 73-year-old monarch said that while he was saddened by the Queen’s death, he hoped the people of Britain and the Commonwealth “remember the example she set and draw strength from her”.
What is the procedure for the Council of Succession to the Throne?
- Historically, all members of the Privy Council have participated in the Council of Succession to the Throne. The Privy Council is an advisory body to the monarchy, dating back to the time of the Norman kings. There are currently more than 700 MPs, most of them past and current politicians, from which only 200 MPs need to be called.
- They initially gathered at St James’s Palace without the King present. Lord President and Conservative MP Penny Mordaunt, appointed by Prime Minister Liz Truss, announced the Queen’s death.
- The Master of Ceremonies read out the statement, including Charles’s title of King, which is Charles III.
- The proclamation was signed by the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York and the Prime Minister.
- The Speaker of the Privy Council called for silence, read the rest of the business, and issued proclamations and instructions for firing salutes in Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
- The king enters the second part of the Council of Succession to the Throne and makes a personal statement on the passing of the queen. Only the Counsellor of the Privy Council attended this part.
- He would take an oath to defend the Church of Scotland and sign two documents for the record. The Queen and Prince of Wales witnessed his signing.
- Privy Council advisers will sign a proclamation before leaving.