Charles III was officially proclaimed, this Saturday, the new King of the United Kingdom and of 19 Commonwealth countries, succeeding Elizabeth II, who died last Thursday, at 100 years old, 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 in which 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 His late Majesty’s Privy Council and representatives of the realms and territories, councilors, citizens of London and others, with one voice and with the consent of our tongue and our hearts, publish and proclaim that the Prince Charles Philip Arthur George has now, by 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 her a long reign.
After announcing the Queen’s death and proclaiming her successor, the President 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. As members of the Privy Council – a legacy from the past that is currently more symbolic – Queen Consort Camilla and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Primate of the Anglican Church are also present.
This is the Charles III’s first official act as head of state and is different from the coronation, a ceremony of great pomp that should take place in the coming months.
In a speech, the new king praises the 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 the constitutional principles and to serve with dedication the citizens. 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 the countries of the Commonwealth.
In his statement, Charles III again quoted, as he had done on Friday in a message to the nation, the enormous regret that his family and the entire country mourn 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,” the king thanked in a very formal tone.
Charles III also said he was “deeply aware” of the legacy of Elizabeth II 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 exercise influence), 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 further confirmed that 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.
Hymn returns to “God save the king” ; Elizabeth’s funeral takes place on 19 September
The first public reading of the proclamation of King Charles III, held from the balcony of the Palace 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. In the end, White called for “three cheers for His Majesty the King”, to which the Kingsguard responded with applause and lifting their bearskin hats.
While Charles III assumes his new duties, preparations are continuing for the Queen’s State Funeral, which is scheduled for 19 in 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.
2022
