Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

Accession Council proclaims Charles Britain's new king

From left, Britain's Prince William, Camilla, the Queen Consort, King Charles III and Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt, before Privy Council members in the Throne Room during the Accession Council at St James's Palace, London, Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, where King Charles III is formally proclaimed monarch. AP - Jonathan Brady

Charles III was formally proclaimed Britain's new king by the Accession Council on Saturday in a history-laden ceremony following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.

The council, televised for the first time, is a centuries-old formality to recognise the new king's sovereignty even though he automatically became monarch after the queen's passing.

The 73-year-old Charles officially took his vow as the new king, saying he was "deeply aware" of the "duties and heavy responsibility of sovereignty".

Several hundred privy councillors including current Prime Minister Liz Truss and all of her living predecessors, Charles's wife Camilla and his eldest son and heir William all attended.

Charles said his mother, who died on Thursday in Balmoral aged 96, "gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service" that he promised to emulate.

"I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called to be," he said.

He added he was "profoundly encouraged by the support of my beloved wife".

Held in a grand room at St James's Palace decked out in crimson and gold, the Accession Council took place in two parts, the first of which Charles was absent while they proclaimed him king.

The clerk of the council announced that "Prince Charles Philip Arthur George is now, by the death of our lady sovereign of happy memory, become our King Charles III... God save the king!"

The assembled councillors then repeated "God save the king".

Charles' accession was publicly by a trumpet fanfare and a proclamation from a balcony of the palace at 1000 GMT.

(With AFP)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.