Charles formally proclaimed new King on live television
King vows to dedicate life to his people, write Tracy Watkins and Denise Piper.
The words God Save the King have rung out in Britain for the first time in 70 years as King Charles takes his place on the throne after the death of his ‘‘dear Mama’’ Queen Elizabeth.
Charles was formally proclaimed King to a fanfare of trumpets last night – the first time in history that the ancient ceremony was televised live.
Here in New Zealand, one of just 15 Commonwealth Countries that retains the British monarch as its head of State, Parliament will mark the changing of the guard with our own Proclamation of Accession ceremony today officially recognising the new King. Members of the public will be able to view the ceremony from Parliament grounds.
The New Zealand Defence Force will conduct two 21-gun salutes to acknowledge the historic occassion.
Flags, which have been flying at half-mast on government buildings since the Queen’s death, will be temporarily raised to full mast in recognition of the day before being returned to half-mast for the duration of the period of mourning – usually 12 days.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will attend the Queen’s funeral on September 19 (UK time). Other world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have also confirmed they will be there.
In his first speech as King, an emotional Charles spoke of his love for his mother, who passed away on Friday. He promised to dedicate his life to the service of his people, including the Commonwealth, as she had.
Often criticised for being too overtly political, he also pledged to respect’ the ‘‘precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities’’ of Parliamentary government and uphold the constitutional principles of the nation.
One of his first acts as monarch was to bestow the title Prince of Wales on his oldest son, William – an act that also sees the title of Princess of Wales pass to William’s wife Catherine.
The title has not been used since the death of Charles’ first wife, Diana, whose name has remained intimately associated with the title, even after her tragic death in 1997.
Emotions around the title were so strong that when the new King married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, the decision was taken that she would not use the title, even though she was entitled to do so.
King Charles referred to his ‘‘darling wife Camilla’’ in his speech, thanked her for her loyal public service and appointed her his Queen consort.
While King Charles’ first speech heavily stressed continuity and tradition, there is an expectation the 73-year-old King will bring a modernising streak to the royal family. He has long campaigned on environmental issues and climate change, and has also been intent on slimming down the monarchy, confining it to an inner core of the sovereign and his or her consort, children and grandchildren.
That will put the new Prince and Princess of Wales, both 40, front and centre as the face of the next generation of monarchy.
The couple have already made it clear they will stamp a fresh face on the royals, with their advocacy for causes including mental health, homelessness and climate change.
With Charles’ accession to the throne, their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, also rise up the order of succession.
But the King’s younger son, Harry and wife Meghan, look set to remain on the outer. While the King spoke of his love for them, he also wished them luck building a new life overseas.
His words hinted at a reconciliation between Harry and Meghan, and the royal family after months of tension; it also indicated an acceptance of their choice to step down as working royals in early 2020.
Royal watchers in New Zealand found King Charles’ first speech inspiring, and deeply personal.
The King was inclusive when he talked about different faiths and cultures, said Reverend
Ivica Gregurec from Auckland’s Anglican Holy Trinity
Cathedral.
King Charles acknowledged his responsibility to the Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, but also his duty to others, Gregurec said.
‘‘It’s a wonderfully inclusive message which is really exciting. Part of our Christian faith is to involve and dialogue with people of different faiths.’’
Dr Sean Palmer, chair of Monarchy New Zealand, agreed King Charles’ speech showed a different style – one that is much more emotional and human.
‘‘It was a very genuine refection of the things he’s thinking and feeling. It was quite a heartfelt statement, and in my view, very human,’’ Palmer said.
‘‘I think this indicates that we’re going to see a King that’s more in touch with his emotions and he’s going to reach out to people to reflect their feelings.’’
While New Zealand wasn’t mentioned by name, the King did acknowledge the Realm countries – where he is now head of state – as being different from the rest of the Commonwealth, Palmer said.
Handing over the mantle of Prince of Wales to his son William recognises the succession of the constitutional monarchy, he said. ‘‘What he was demonstrating is that the system continues to move. The succession was instantaneous with no court challenges . . . It will be the envy of many around the world.’’
Palmer said the speech was one of the most important of the 21st century, and he thought the King delivered it well.
‘‘The Queen’s passing is a substantial event that has captured the world’s attention. The world stopped and noted it, and his speech is part of that.’’
‘‘‘It was a very genuine refection of the things he’s thinking . . . It was quite a heartfelt statement, and in my view, very human.’’ ’ DR SEAN PALMER, MONARCHY NEW ZEALAND
Act leader David Seymour, who met then-Prince Charles in 2015, agreed the speech was impressive. ‘‘I thought it was a thoughtful commitment to service, just like the Queen.
‘‘I think he has been underestimated and he’s going to surprise people on the upside.’’
He did not believe New Zealand would see a significant difference in leadership with the King at the throne but said the monarchy was still important to this country.
National Party leader Christopher Luxon said he thought the speech perfectly balanced the public commitment of a new sovereign with the deeply personal reflection of a son grieving the loss of his mother.
‘‘He signalled significant continuity in the roles between Queen Elizabeth II, himself as King and his heir Prince William, while also acknowledging the role the Queen played as his mother.’’
A spokeswoman for Ardern said she would likely make comment about the King’s speech at the proclamation ceremony in Wellington but had nothing further to add last night to her previous comments about the new King.
Meanwhile, as Britain prepares for its first full state funeral since the death of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965, the body of Queen Elizabeth will begin its journey to London on Sunday (UK time). The first leg of the journey will be a 160km trip from Bamoral to Edinburgh, where she will remain for two nights before being flown back to London.
Huge security will surround the funeral, with reports suggesting it will be the bigget security operation the UK has ever staged.
As many as 10,0000 police officers will be deployed on the streets.
Hundreds of thousands of well wishers are expected to descend on London, with most of the British public never knowing another monarch.