A historic moment as King Charles III was on Saturday officially proclaimed the new British monarch following the demise of his 96-year-old mother, Queen Elizabeth II who reigned for 70 years on the throne.
Charles, the Queen’s first born, became king immediately after her death on Thursday, but a historic meeting formally confirmed his role on Saturday during the ceremony at St James’s Palace.
The Accession Council, a body made up of senior politicians, judges and officials, proclaimed him as the monarch in the State Apartments.
Following the proclamation, the King formally announced the death of his “beloved mother, the Queen”.
“The whole world sympathises with me in the irreparable loss we’ve all suffered,” he said.
“My mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service. My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, dedication and devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.
“I am deeply aware of this deep inheritance and of the grave duties and responsibilities which are now passed to me,” His Majesty said.
He then went on to thank Queen Consort Camilla, saying “I am profoundly encouraged by the constant support of my beloved wife.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Prime Minister Liz Truss, and former premiers Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Boris Johnson and Theresa May, as well as Archbishop Justin Welby and Prince William.
Another proclamation made by the King, was approving a bank holiday to take place for the Queen’s funeral as part of the Day of National Mourning.
Her Majesty’s funeral is due to take place on Monday 19 September
Lord president of the Council Penny Mordaunt said: “Drafts of wo proclamations. One – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“Two – appointing the day of Her late Majesty’s state funeral as a bank holiday in Scotland.
“And of two orders in council, directing the Lord Chancellor to affix the great seal to the proclamations.”
His Majesty answered: “Approved.”
Buckingham Palace has since released a statement which confirms the funeral arrangement. The statement says:
“The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen will take place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September at 1100hrs BST. Prior to the State Funeral, The Queen will Lie-in-State in Westminster Hall for four days, to allow the public to pay their respects.
“The Queen’s Coffin currently rests in the Ballroom at Balmoral Castle. Her Majesty’s Coffin will travel to Edinburgh tomorrow, Sunday 11th September, by road, to arrive at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where it will rest in the Throne Room until the afternoon of Monday 12 September.
“On the afternoon of Monday 12 September, a Procession will be formed on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse to convey the Coffin to St Giles’ Cathedral, Edinburgh. The King and Members of the Royal Family will take part in the Procession and attend a Service in St Giles’ Cathedral to receive the Coffin.
“Her Majesty’s Coffin will then lie at rest in St Giles’ Cathedral, guarded by Vigils from The Royal Company of Archers, to allow the people of Scotland to pay their respects.
“On the afternoon of Tuesday 13 September, The Queen’s Coffin will travel from Scotland by Royal Air Force aircraft from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at RAF Northolt later that evening. The Coffin will be accompanied on the journey by The Princess Royal.
“The Queen’s Coffin will then be conveyed to Buckingham Palace by road, to rest in the Bow Room. On the afternoon of Wednesday 14 September, the Coffin will be borne in Procession on a Gun Carriage of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where The Queen will Lie-in-State in Westminster Hall until the morning of the State Funeral.
“The Procession will travel via Queen’s Gardens, The Mall, Horse Guards and Horse Guards Arch, Whitehall, Parliament Street, Parliament Square and New Palace Yard. After the Coffin arrives at Westminster Hall, The Archbishop of Canterbury will conduct a short service assisted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster, and attended by The King and Members of the Royal Family, after which the Lying-in-State will begin.
“During the Lying-in-State, members of the public will have the opportunity to visit Westminster Hall to pay their respects to The Queen. On the morning of Monday 19th September, the Lying-in-State will end and the Coffin will be taken in Procession from the Palace of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, where the State Funeral Service will take place.
“Following the State Funeral, the Coffin will travel in Procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. From Wellington Arch, the Coffin will travel to Windsor and once there, the State Hearse will travel in Procession to St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle via the Long Walk. A Committal Service will then take place in St George’s Chapel.”
