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Ceremonies with origins dating back to at least the early 1600s were held in London today as King Charles III was formally proclaimed as the new sovereign.
He became King on Thursday, immediately on the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Today's proceedings confirmed the identity of the new monarch and included business necessary to maintain the continuity of the monarchy and the national government.
The Accession Council, which is mostly made up of Privy Counsellors, including senior politicians, met in the States Apartments at St. James's Palace at 10:00 to proclaim King Charles III.
Its proceedings, led by the new Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt, were held in public for the first time, and millions around the world watched on television. It is believed that it was The King's personal wish for television cameras to be invited into the Council.
The King personally asked for television cameras to be allowed in the Accession Council.
— Charlie Proctor (@MonarchyUK) September 10, 2022
King Charles III starts his reign as he means to go on.
A new transparent monarchy for a modern age. pic.twitter.com/8gMXYNW8un
The Clerk of the Accession Council read the Proclamation.
He said: "Whereas it has pleased Almighty God to call to his mercy our late Sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth II 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.
"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 the death of our late Sovereign of happy memory, become our only lawful and happy liege Lord.
"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."
The clerk, and then the Accession Council in unison, said: "God Save the King."
Pictured: Prince William, attending his first public event since the death of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, was the first signatory of the Proclamation of his father as King Charles III.
The King, who was not present for the first part of proceedings, was then called by Ms Mordaunt to make his declaration.
King Charles III said: "It is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother, The Queen.
"I know how deeply you, the entire nation, and I think I may say the whole world, sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered.
"It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy, expressed by so many, to my sister and brothers, and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.
"To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life."
Pictured: Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-serving monarch in British history and the second longest-serving in the world after Louis XIV of France.
"I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me," said The King.
"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 throughout 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 that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments. 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 my 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.
"And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God."
???????????? The oath is now signed by #KingCharlesIII himself.
— FRANCE 24 English (@France24_en) September 10, 2022
Prince William and the Queen Consort Camilla then sign the document as witnesses. pic.twitter.com/AwQgAh7IYW
The Accession Council was followed by the Principal Proclamation, which was read at 11:00 from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St. James's Palace. This was the first public reading of the Proclamation.
It was read by the Garter Kings of Arms and was the same text as read by the Clerk to the Accession Council.
The Garter King of Arms then said "God save the King" before gun salutes were fired and the newly-adapted national anthem, God Save the King, was played. The Garter King of Arms called for "three cheers for His Majesty The King" and the assembled King's Guard and crowds who had gathered around the Friary Court responded.
A second Proclamation was read in the City of London, at the Royal Exchange at 12:00.
Pictured: Flags have been flying at half-mast but were returned to full mast for the Procolamation, before returning to half-mast for the remainder of the period of National Mourning.
Further ceremonies relating to the Proclamation will be held tomorrow, including in Guernsey. These will include a special sitting of the States at St. James from 11:00 before a procession to the Crown Pier, where the Proclamation will be read and the National Anthem sung, before the States' meeting at St. James resumes for local dignitaries to take new oaths of allegiance to The King.
Members of the public can attend all of these events. Seating at St. James is limited and will be on a 'first come, first served' basis, while the Town Quay and North Esplanade will be closed for members of the public to gather on and around the Crown Pier.
It is likely that the Coronation will be held in spring or summer next year.
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