Charles III Formally Confirmed As British King
King Charles III has been proclaimed as Britain’s new monarch in a ceremony held on Saturday at St James’s Palace in London.
King Charles became the monarch after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday, but a meeting formally confirmed it on Saturday.
The proclamation was read publicly in the other capital cities of the United Kingdom – Edinburgh in Scotland, Belfast in Northern Ireland, and Cardiff in Wales – and at other locations.
Speaking before the Accession Council, the King said his mother’s death had been an “irreparable loss”.
Below is King Charles III’s declaration to the accession council in full:
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 the 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.
The Accession Council is formed of privy counsellors who have advised the monarch since the Norman era.
They now comprise about 670 senior politicians, including Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The Privy Council is a formal body of advisers to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom. | Guardian
