Queen Elizabeth II's eldest son Charles, 73, automatically became king of the United Kingdom and the head of state of 14 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand upon her death Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
Prince Charles’ wife Camilla became Queen Consort.
The British monarchy’s rules state that “a new sovereign succeeds to the throne as soon as his or her predecessor dies.”
Within 24 hours of a monarch’s death, a new sovereign is proclaimed formally as soon as possible at St. James Palace in London by the “Accession Council.” However, it may be months or even longer before Charles’ formal coronation.
In Elizabeth’s case, her coronation came on June 2, 1953 -- 16 months after her accession on Feb. 6, 1952, when her father, King George VI, died.
