King Charles III ascends the throne
KING Charles was officially proclaimed head of state of both Australia and New Zealand at ceremonies yesterday in the nations’ capitals.
On Saturday, he pledged to follow the example of his late mother as he was officially proclaimed as Britain’s new monarch at a historic ceremony in St James’s Palace in London.
The death of 96-year-old Queen Elizabeth on Thursday set in train longestablished and highly choreographed plans for days of national mourning and a state funeral that will be held in just over a week.
Charles, 73, immediately succeeded his mother but an Accession Council met on Saturday to proclaim him as king, with his wife Camilla, son and heir Prince William and Britain’s new prime minister, Liz Truss, among those who signed the proclamation.
During the formal meeting of the council, six former prime ministers, bishops and a host of politicians shouted “God Save The King”.
The new monarch issued a personal statement during the ceremony. “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.”
Later, on the Proclamation Gallery, a balcony above Friary Court of St James’ Palace, the Garter King of Arms, David White, accompanied by others in traditional heraldic outfits, read out the Principal Proclamation, as trumpets sounded.
The proclamation was also set to be read publicly in the other capital cities of the UK – Edinburgh in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland, and Cardiff in Wales – and at other locations as well.
The death of Elizabeth, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, has drawn outpourings of tributes from at home and around the globe. Landmarks have been used to celebrate her life, with buildings in Europe, America and Africa lit up in the red, white and blue of the UK.
Charles also said in his address that he had made his eldest son William, 40, the new Prince of Wales, the title that had been his for more than 50 years and is traditionally held by the heir to the throne.
William’s wife Kate becomes Princess of Wales, a role last held by the late Princess Diana.
Britain has declared a period of mourning until the state funeral for Elizabethon September 19.
The king approved a Bank Holiday for the state funeral. |