Charles III was officially proclaimed, this Saturday, the new king of the United Kingdom and 14 countries of the Commonwealth, succeeding Elizabeth II, who died last Thursday, aged 96, in the Scottish castle of Balmoral. The Accession Council, meeting at St. James in London declared Prince Charles the new monarch Charles III, after which the participants in the act, mainly political figures, said: “God save the king”. Although the heir automatically succeeded his mother upon her death, this is the traditional event where British political power officially recognizes him as sovereign.
“The spiritual and temporal lords of this realm, and members of the House of Commons together with other members of the Privy Council of His late Majesty and representatives of the realms and territories, councilors, citizens of London and others, with one voice and with the consent of the our tongue and our heart, we publish and proclaim that Prince Charles Philip Arthur George has now become, through the death of our sovereign of happy memory, our only legitimate and happy lord, Charles III. The declaration then promises “faith and obedience with humble affection”, wishing him a long reign.
After announcing the Queen’s death and proclaiming her successor, the Chairperson of the Accession Council, Penny Mordaunt, ordered the members of the Privy Council (the political and social authorities who advise the monarch) to move to a separate room for a meeting. with the new king. This group of officials, including Prime Minister Liz Truss, and Prince William, who until now held the title of Duke of Cambridge and has now become Prince of Wales. Also present as members of the Privy Council – a legacy from the past that is currently more symbolic – are Queen Consort Camilla and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Primate of the Anglican Church.
This is Charles III’s first official act as head of state and is different from the coronation ceremony, which is expected to take place in the coming months.
In speech, new king extols mother’s example
After the official proclamation, Charles III gave a speech stating that he will follow “the example” of his mother, Elizabeth II, in her reign, during which she commits to respect constitutional principles and to serve the citizens with dedication. At the end of his speech before a large group of political and social authorities, Charles III also swore to guarantee the protection of the Church of Scotland (he is the head of the Anglican Church) and authorized the distribution of his declaration to be read in Scotland, in the Country. of Wales and Northern Ireland as well as in Commonwealth countries.
In his statement, Charles III again cited, as he had done on Friday in a message to the nation, the enormous grief his family and the entire country feel at the death of his mother, whose reign was unprecedented in “duration, dedication and devotion”. “It is a great comfort to me that the condolences expressed by so many to my sister and brothers, and may all this overwhelming affection and support be extended to the entire family in our loss,” thanked the king in a very formal tone.
Charles III also said he was “deeply aware” of Elizabeth II’s legacy and the “duties and vast responsibilities of sovereignty” she inherited. “As I assume these responsibilities, I will strive to follow the inspiring example set before me in upholding constitutional government and seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for the peoples of these islands and the Commonwealth kingdoms and territories throughout the world,” he said. The king, who in principle has no political power (although he does wield influence), has stated that he will be guided by the respective parliaments and is confident that he will have the support and affection of the citizens.
Charles III also confirmed that he will maintain the current practice of transferring hereditary income to the Public Treasury, which is then used to subsidize the royal family in its official activity. “To fulfill the heavy task entrusted to me, to which I dedicate the rest of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God,” he concluded. Later, the King signed a document attesting that he had taken the oath, in the presence of the Queen Consort Camilla and Prince William.
Anthem has “God save the king” again; Elizabeth’s funeral takes place on September 19
The first public reading of King Charles III’s proclamation, held from the balcony of St. James, was accompanied by cannon volleys and an interpretation of the national anthem, in which the line “God save the queen” was changed to “God save the king”. The Garter’s Chief King of Arms, David White, was responsible for reading “the first and most important proclamation”, which culminated in a marching band and military parade, and which will also be recited in the ancient City of London (now its financial centre). and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. At the end, White called for “three cheers for His Majesty the King,” to which the Kingsguard responded with applause and lifting their bearskin hats.
As Charles III assumes his new duties, preparations are underway for the Queen’s State Funeral, which is scheduled for 19 September, although the official calendar has not been announced. What has already been communicated is that the date, on which leaders from around the world will go to London to say goodbye to Elizabeth II, will be declared a holiday in the United Kingdom.
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