King Charles formally proclaimed as Britain’s monarch following Queen Elizabeth’s death
- The solemn ceremony of the Accession Council dates back to the early days of the monarchy and marks his first official event as king
- Normally held behind closed doors, the council was broadcast for the first time on Saturday
King Charles was formally proclaimed as Britain’s monarch on Saturday, two days after the country’s longest serving sovereign Queen Elizabeth died at age 96.
The meeting of the Accession Council dates back to the early days the monarch, with members of the Privy Council, the monarch’s advisory panel, gathering at St James’s Palace in London to declare Charles as king, even though he inherited the role upon his mother’s death.
The solemn ceremony marks his first official event as monarch and was televised on Saturday for the first time in its history. Traditionally, it has taken place behind closed doors.
“My mother’s reign was unequal in its duration, its dedication and its devotion,” King Charles said. “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 great responsibilities of sovereignty, which have now passed to me.”
“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 the Commonwealth Realms and territories and throughout the world,” he said.