UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS
By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal
LONDON (AA) – Britain’s Charles III was formally proclaimed king at the Accession Council in London’s St James’s Palace on Saturday.
The event was televised for the first time in history and millions of Brits tuned in to watch the new monarch’s proclamation.
The ceremony was also attended by the king’s son Prince William.
The Accession Council is a group formed of Privy Counsellors, Great Officers of State, the Lord Mayor of London, Realm High Commissioners and senior civil servants, which convenes after the death of a monarch.
Queen Elizabeth II, Charles’ mother and the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died on Thursday at the age of 96 after 70 years on the throne.
Speaking about his “beloved mother,” the king said she “gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.”
“The whole world sympathizes with me in the irreparable loss we’ve all suffered,” said Charles.
“My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, dedication and devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. I am deeply aware of this deep inheritance and of the grave duties and responsibilities which are now passed to me.”
Charles agreed during the ceremony to declare a bank holiday on the day of Elizabeth’s funeral, which is yet to be confirmed.
The principal proclamation publicly announcing him as the new monarch was then read out from the balcony of St James’s Palace, accompanied by gun salutes in Hyde Park and Tower Hill and the national anthem “God Save the King.”
A second proclamation will be made at the Royal Exchange in London later on Saturday.
The full text of the historic proclamation is as follows:
“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.
“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.”