King Charles III was officially proclaimed the reigning monarch of the UK and Commonwealth on Saturday morning.
His Majesty’s two-part accession council took place at the State Apartments of St. James’ Palace in London at 10 a.m. local time.
In a personal address to the privy council, the new King addressed the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
“I know how deeply you and the entire nation and I think I may say the whole world sympathizes with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered,” King Charles III said.
“It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and my brothers and as such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss. To all of us as a family.”
“My mother’s reign was unequaled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me.”
The 73-year-old monarch also praised his wife Camilla, queen consort of the United Kingdom, as he took the throne in his address.
“In taking up these responsibilities 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 across the world. In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called upon to be, and in the discharge of these duties, I will be guided by the council of their elected parliaments.”
King Charles III went on, “In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife. I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the crown estate to the government for the benefit of all in return for the sovereign grant which supports my official duties as head of state and head of nation.
“In carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, to which I dedicate what remains to me of my life. I pray for the guidance and help of almighty God.”
During the first portion of the meeting, the Privy Council proclaimed the sovereign without him present.
“Whereas it has pleased almighty god to call to his mercy our late sovereign lady Queen Elizabeth the Second of blessed and glorious memory, by whose decease the crown of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is solely and rightfully come to Prince Charles, Philip Arthur George,” the clerk of the council said.
“We therefore, the lords spiritual and temporal of this realm, and members of the House of Commons together with other members of her late majesty’s privy council and representatives of the realms and territories, alderman, citizens of London and others, with one voice and consent of tongue and heart publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George, is now by our the death of our late sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and happy liege Lord.”
The clerk continued, “Charles III, by the grace of god of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of his other realms and territory, King, head of the commonwealth, defender of the faith, to whom we do acknowledge all faith and obedience with humble affection, beseeching god by whom kings and queens do reign to bless his majesty with long and happy years to reign over us.”
“God Save the King,” he concluded.
Later on Saturday morning, Charles, 73, will take part in the principal proclamation from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St. James’ Palace.
Further proclamations will be read at the Royal Exchange in London at noon local time on Saturday as well as in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales on Sunday.
In recognition of Charles’ new title, flags will be flown at full mast for approximately 24 hours over the weekend. Once all proclamations have been read across the United Kingdom, flags will return to half-mast in mourning of the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Queen died on Thursday at age 96 at her Balmoral Castle in Scotland after a historic 70 years on the British throne.
Charles, her eldest son, reacted to his mother’s death in an emotional message shared later that day.
“The death of my beloved mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” he began.
“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.
Charles also paid tribute to the Queen in his first televised address as king, praising her as an “inspiration and example” for many.
Elizabeth II will be interred at Windsor Castle’s King George VI Memorial Chapel, with the body of her late husband, Prince Philip, being moved to join her.
The burial is expected to take place after the Queen’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey.
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