The formal proclamation of Charles III. as King takes place in London on Saturday morning. For this purpose, an Accession Council is convened, which could be translated as “Council for the Accession to the Throne”. The Council meets at St. James’s Palace. Follow the procedure live here.
The text of the proclamation is read. As the “almighty Lord” wanted, he called his beloved Queen Elizabeth II. “Her successor will be Charles Philip Arthur George.” It is proclaimed that after the monarch’s death, Charles will become the new monarch, Charles III. becomes. “We want our Majesty to have many happy years.” Everyone present, including Charles’ son William, Prime Minister Liz Truss, her predecessor Boris Johnson and former Prime Minister Tony Blair chant in unison: “God Save The King”. Then the proclamation is signed.
Here are a few announcements about the way forward, which follows a centuries-old protocol. Among other things, the Secretary of Defense is instructed to order the military to fire a salute in London’s Hyde Park. The council is to send out circulars proclaiming the king officially. This ends the first part of the ceremony.
His Majesty Charles III makes his statement. “It is my sad duty to announce the death of my beloved mother.” He, the royal family and the whole world mourned the death. Charles thanks the “overwhelming support” from around the world. Elizabeth II set an example of lifelong love and selfless service. “We give thanks for this faithful life.” He knows about this great inheritance and the responsibility of the monarchy, which passes to him. He will try to follow his mother’s great example in upholding constitutional government and seeking peace, harmony and prosperity for the Isles and the Commonwealth. “In the performance of my duties I am guided by the Council of elected Parliaments.” Supported by his beloved wife Camilla. “I will dedicate my life to the nation and pray for the support of Almighty God.”
He then takes his oath to the Church of Scotland and signs the two documents proving it has been taken. His son William and his wife Camilla, who witnessed the taking of the oath, also sign. He will later take the oath to the Church of England.
Then some drafts are read out, each one has to be approved by the new king. He does not mind, approves all. Among other things, it is about proclaiming the day of Elizabeth II’s state funeral in Scotland as a public holiday. Charles III steps up to the desk and signs the drafts. This concludes today’s Privy Council. Charles turns back to those present, bows briefly and leaves the room with Camilla and William.
An hour later, the proclamation is read from the palace balcony. There are further readings in the City of London and on Sunday in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The so-called Council (Accession Council) consists of members of the Privy Council, i.e. active and former members of the government, church representatives, judges, members of the royal family and other personalities.
The Privy Council may invite other senior officials or other celebrities to attend. These can be, for example, the high commissioners of countries in which the British monarch is head of state. That’s 14 countries, including Australia, Canada and the Bahamas. Not all of the approximately 700 members of the Privy Council attend the meeting. According to media reports, there is only room for about 200 people.
The council meets in two parts: first without the king for the proclamation, then with the king, who then chairs the first meeting of the Privy Council, which he now chairs. Among other things, he takes an oath there to uphold the security of the Church of Scotland. Incidentally, there are no “meetings” at the Crown Council: it traditionally meets standing up. Queen Victoria is said to have introduced this in 1861, according to the Privy Council’s website.
Charles had already become king at the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday. This is regulated so that the country is never without a monarch. Aside from the proclamation, there is a coronation to follow. Elizabeth II’s coronation took place in 1953 – 14 months after she became queen after the death of her father.