King Charles III was formally proclaimed monarch at the Accession Council this morning at a historic meeting where he made a moving tribute to his late mother.
As heir apparent, the former Prince of Wales automatically became King after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday afternoon in Balmoral.
But in keeping with tradition, the Accession Council was called as soon as possible to make the formal proclamation of their successor.
This morning millions of Brits watched the historic moment live on television for the first time as the medium was in its infancy when the Queen came to power in the 1950s.
In his first statement the King spoke of his mother's "dedication and devotion", adding her death was an irreparable loss.
Follow our live blog as King Charles is proclaimed monarch here
During the first part of the meeting of the Accession Council, Charles' role as King and his regal name were confirmed.
During the second, the 73-year-old told the meeting: "My lords, ladies, and gentlemen it is my most sorrowful duty to announce to you the death of my beloved mother, the Queen.
"I know how deeply you, the entire nation – and I think I may say the whole world – sympathise with me in the irreparable loss we have all suffered.
"It is the greatest consolation to me to know of the sympathy expressed by so many to my sister and brothers and that such overwhelming affection and support should be extended to our whole family in our loss.
"To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.
"My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.
"I am deeply aware of this great inheritance and of the duties and heavy responsibilities of sovereignty which have now passed to me. In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world.
"In this purpose, I know that I shall be upheld by the affection and loyalty of the peoples whose sovereign I have been called upon to be, and that in the discharge of these duties I will be guided by the counsel of their elected parliaments.
"In all this, I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife.
"I take this opportunity to confirm my willingness and intention to continue the tradition of surrendering the hereditary revenues, including the Crown Estate, to my Government for the benefit of all, in return for the Sovereign Grant, which supports my official duties as head of state and head of nation.
"And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God."
More than 200 privy councillors, made up of mostly senior politicians past and present including former prime ministers, were present to hear the Clerk of the Council read the proclamation.
Until today the events at the Accession Council took place behind closed doors.
Opening proceedings at the Accession Council, Lord President of the Council Penny Mordaunt said: "My lords, it is my sad duty to inform you that Her Most Gracious Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, has passed away on Thursday the 8th of September 2022, at Balmoral Castle.
"I propose that, when certain necessary business has been transacted, a deputation consisting of Her Majesty, His Royal Highness, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Chancellor, the Archbishop of York, the Prime Minister, the clerk of the Council, and myself, shall wait on the King and inform him the Council is assembled."
In front of attendees including wife Camilla, who is now Queen Consort, and his son and heir Prince William, the King was declared by the Accession council.
Later today the Principal Proclamation will be read from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James's Palace by the Garter King of Arms, accompanied by the Earl Marshal, other Officers of Arms and the Serjeants at Arms.
In his first televised address as King, Charles said on Friday : “As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation.
"And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.
"In a little over a week's time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest.
"In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example.”
From 11am today flags will fly at full mast as royal gun salutes are fired.
Parliament will meet on a Saturday for the first time since the pandemic and swear an oath to King Charles in the Houses of Parliament.
At noon today a second Proclamation will be read in the City of London, at the Royal Exchange.
Tomorrow, further proclamations will be read in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at 12pm.
* This weekend, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror celebrate the life of Her Majesty the Queen with a commemorative special filled with all the key moments from Britain’s longest reigning monarch. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror to get both pullouts.
